A chara, – I wish to dispute the “indisputable that a helmet will mitigate the potential for injury” (Gavin Dredge, January 23rd). To suggest that helmets can and do protect cyclists is nonsense. Eight of the 11 cycling fatalities in Dublin from 2002 to 2006 are due to heavy goods vehicles turning left. A helmet will confer no protection to these people. Furthermore, helmets do not prevent the sequelae of head injury; cerebral haematomas (strokes), brachial plexus injuries, concussion, maxillofacial fractures, vertebral fractures. I acknowledge that it would seem intuitive to wear a helmet, but it does not reduce mortality or morbidity in cyclists.
According to the Road Safety Authority, in 2008, 49 pedestrians died on Irish roads. This has increased to 64 in 2010. More pedestrians than cyclists die on Irish roads. Using Mr Dredge’s logic, if it is “indisputable” that cyclists wear helmets, then surely pedestrians and indeed, car users should also wear them. – Yours, etc,