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LETTERS: Mike Simpson Time for a culture change BMJ 2008; 336: 848 [Full text]

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..and the BMA isn't helping.

Peter Ward   (20 April 2008)

Carnage

Hugh Mann   (21 April 2008)

..and the BMA isn't helping. 20 April 2008
Peter Ward, GP on sabbatical in New Zealand Whitecross Accident and Medical Centre, Whangarei, New Zealand Send response to journal: Re: ..and the BMA isn't helping.	Many thanks for publishing Mike Simpsons letter. Cycling could be a big part of the solution...as long as daft obstacles are not thrown in the way. The BMA's policy that all cyclists should be helmeted is an example. What it claims, in effect, is that what the vast majority of cyclists do - ride without a helmet- is so dangerous it should be banned. Utter and arrogant nonsense. The helmet law is making it difficult to promote cycling in New Zealand. A recent scheme for fleet bikes at Northland Health (the local hospital) almost foundered on the helmet issue and the perception of cycling as dangerous. In Melbourne a recent proposal to copy the success of the Paris cycling hire scheme (Velib) has been abandoned due to the helmet law. Helmet laws and mass cycling don't mix! Competing interests: Board member of the Bicycle Helmet Research Foundation.
Carnage 21 April 2008
Hugh Mann, Physician Eagle Rock, MO 65641 USA Send response to journal: Re: Carnage	Cars are toxic, traumatic, aristocratic, emblematic, problematic, metallic carapaces for the nihilistic, narcissistic, masochistic fanatic. Competing interests: None declared