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Helmets a turn-off for cyclists The Dominion Post newspaper, New Zealand They are designed to prevent serious head injuries, but it seems helmets are a turn-off for would-be cyclists worried about messing up their hair. A Massey University study has found the law requiring cyclists to wear helmets acts as a deterrent for some potential pedal-pushers. Women and young people in particular said they avoided cycling because of the effect on their hair-styles. "What this research suggests is that if the Government wants to achieve their policy of having more people cycling as a mode of transport, they may want to review the current law on cycle helmets," said researcher Kane Hopkins, of Massey's communication and journalism department. The environmental benefits of having more people cycling might be greater than the safety benefits provided by helmets, he said. Helmets were made compulsory for cyclists in 1994, after a campaign by Palmerston North woman Rebecca Oaten, whose son was left permanently brain-damaged by a cycle accident. |