Austin American-Statesman
Friday, June 16, 2006
Ben Wear: Getting There
Austin may shift gears on helmets for cyclists
Former mayor credits helmet for mitigating his injuries in November crash, pushes for broadening 1997 law
By Ben Wear
Excerpts:
Robin Stallings, executive director of the Texas Bicycle Coalition, said his organization at this point has no plan to take a position on the ordinance.
“We’re not sure if this is the most effective way to get increased helmet use,” Stallings said. “Does it increase helmet use, or does it depress cycling? If you depress cycling you’re going to decrease injuries, but you’re also going to increase obesity.”
Dallas has had an ordinance requiring helmets for everyone since 1996, and Stallings said Seattle and several other Washington cities have such laws.
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