The Benefits of the Bicycle

As first-world countries face an obesity epidemic with serious repercussions for health, the consumption of fossil fuels threatens the global climate, and petrol prices rise, more and more individuals and governments are waking up to the potential of cycling to change how we travel, live, and work, for the better.  Research in a diverse range of countries has shown that gentle cycling (in regular clothes, no need for lycra or an expensive carbon-fibre bike) several times a week can greatly reduce one’s risk of cardiovascular disease and obesity, and strengthen the immune system. A major study of  British commuters found that cyclists were almost half as likely to die over a five year period (of all causes combined) than non-cyclists. People doing their shopping by bicycle have been found to boost their local economy by spending significantly more per week on shopping trips than motorists. And less air pollution due to traffic means fewer health problems even for non-cyclists! There is enormous scope for cycling to flourish in Australia, but it’s held back by a lack of political will, negative social attitudes, and legislative impediments. Freestyle Cyclists seeks to change this so everyone can enjoy the benefits of the bicycle.

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Helmet Laws Discourage Cycling

Around one in five Australians cite helmet laws as the main reason they don’t ride a bike. The false impression that cycling is dangerous (fostered in part by helmet laws) contributes to the other major factor that stops people riding – fear. Riding a bike is good for your health and saves the community money – that’s true whether or not you wear a helmet. A wealth of evidence shows that the introduction and enforcement of helmet laws reduces cycling participation. The loss of health benefits from discouraging cycling alone outweighs any benefit from mandating helmets, and that’s before you factor in all the other benefits of cycling. Promotion of mandatory helmet use diverts attention away from the best way of making cycling safer (dedicated infrastructure), and reduces safety in numbers for the remaining cyclists.  Helmet laws discourage and punish an activity which benefits society. They also impose financial penalties which have a disproportionate impact on low-income earners and ethnic minorities. As such they are an injustice which must be overturned in the interests of better health and a fairer society.

Crowdfunding court costs

Freestyle Cyclists and Upright Bicycle Riders of Australia invite you to contribute to our crowdfunding campaign to raise money to cover fines and court costs for any of our members who take a helmet fine to court. Please donate at gofundme, and help us make bicycle riding normal in Australia again. Thank you for your support.