Remember kids... always wear a helmet. (The almighty bikeradar helmet thread)

^^^^Wouldn't read too much into PA downplaying it.
They probably sensibly thought it's not that big a deal.
However it appearing on R4 has put it on today's news "agenda".
I'm sure it will feature on a few programmes today.

Boris has just said this (again from PA):

London Mayor Boris Johnson said there were no plans to require cyclists to wear helmets or to provide them for the capital's fleet of "Boris bikes".
The Mayor was wearing a helmet as he cycled into Whitehall for this morning's ministerial Olympics meeting at the Cabinet Office.
Asked if other cyclists should be made to wear protective headwear, Mr Johnson said: "I think they should do if they want to."
Asked whether he would be providing helmets for Boris bike users, he said: "No. It's quite right to say that people should do if they have got one, but we have absolutely no plans to make it mandatory.
"The evidence is mixed. I have to say that in countries where they have made them compulsory, it hasn't always necessarily been good for cycling."

Wiggins has to say that because its politically correct.
No he doesn't, and no it isn't.

^^Bojo voice of reason
(Now when ziplining helmets must be worn)

Asked if other cyclists should be made to wear protective headwear, Mr Johnson said: "I think they should do if they want to."
Asked whether he would be providing helmets for Boris bike users, he said: "No. It's quite right to say that people should do if they have got one, but we have absolutely no plans to make it mandatory.
"The evidence is mixed. I have to say that in countries where they have made them compulsory, it hasn't always necessarily been good for cycling."

Well, good.

Unfortunately in the red corner we have the current darling of Britain, the God of the Olympics, the inspiration of a thousand schoolchildren, talking utter bollocks - and in the blue corner, talking sense, we have a dangling buffoon.

So. Conflicted.

http://www.lfgss.com/post3042402-741.html

Boris is your homie.

Wow. I agree with Boris.

Wonders will never cease.

Asked if other cyclists should be made to wear protective headwear, Mr Johnson said: "I think they should do if they want to."

Most sensible thing that this idiot have said.

It's even more annoying that the statement sound like they got the transcript mixed up and it was actually Boris that ask for compulsory helmet.

Unfortunately in the red corner we have the current darling of Britain, the God of the Olympics, the inspiration of a thousand schoolchildren, talking utter bollocks - and in the blue corner, talking sense, we have a dangling buffoon.

So. Conflicted.

This. I don't know who or what to believe in anymore.

So should there be a ban on mobile phones for peds?

When actually crossing a road, yes.

PUT THE PHONE DOWN FOR FIVE SECONDS, YOU TIT!

Channel 4 News (#c4news) on Twitter is asking for opinions on helmets

No he doesn't, and no it isn't.

Yes it is and he has to say it otherwise he will be drawn into the debate.

If the BBC is pushing it then you can 100% guarantee that its politically correct. I know, I used to work there.

How long before we start seeing tech like this available to "civilian" riders?

UKSI helmets are 'commercially available', per UCI regulations. Apparently, somebody on the TT forum did approach them about pricing and was quoted ~£3000.

I doubt that the team hats are any safer than a hard shell over EPS BMX hat which can be had for around £20, the advantage of the team issue ones is that the new material allows them to only just pass the regulatory tests with the thinnest possible liner, leading to lower frontal area and reduced drag. Same with £100+ road race helmets - they build them to only just pass the test while giving lowest weight/max ventilation. I'd put money on a Bell Faction being 'safer' than either the UKSI team hats or any hat worn in the TdF

Wiggins is a racing cyclist, where helmet wearing is compulsory, not a transport campaigner who was asked about this during a press conference. I think too much is being read into what he said.

Meanwhile Cavendish makes much more sense;

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/cyclesafety/article3451896.ece#tab-3

If you've ever wanted to voice your opinion on this debate - today is the day.
There's going to be a lot more in the papers and on TV about it than usual.

Just expect it to be drowned out by the usual rubbish about road tax / jumping red lights etc...
And expect it to change nothing except - sadly - some cyclists' opinions of Wiggo.

^^^^ Good point on the "only just passing the regulations" issue. I'd agree a cheaper helmet almost certainly gives better protection.

Compulsory bike helmets? Oh noooooo.

If your tendency is to 'race' every Tom, Dick & Hurbert on the public highway, then a helmet makes a lot of sense - he says having crashed out after hitting sleeping policeman at 40+ clics whilst street racing in nothing but Sidi's and beachshorts, although they could also ban sleeping policeman I suppose

Wiggins is a racing cyclist, where helmet wearing is compulsory, not a transport campaigner who was asked about this during a press conference. I think too much is being read into what he said.

Meanwhile Cavendish makes much more sense;

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/cyclesafety/article3451896.ece#tab-3

He's quite happy starting his own foundation to promote healthy ways, if he's ready to do that, he needs to be aware that his current celebrity status will have a massive impact on anything he talks about. If he wants to drop lines about safety then go get advised by someone who knows something. FFS it's not hard. If you want to throw down in politics don't be a clueless fuck.

I'm sure it was on the BBC article before but it seems to have been changed. The original quote they had was something like:

I think they should look into laws to make cycling safer. Stuff like lights and wearing helmets.

He's quite happy starting his own foundation to promote healthy ways, if he's ready to do that, he needs to be aware that his current celebrity status will have a massive impact on anything he talks about. If he wants to drop lines about safety then go get advised by someone who knows something. FFS it's not hard. If you want to throw down in politics don't be a clueless fuck.

Ok clueless fuck is a bit harsh. He's still the gold and yellow jersey winning darling.

That's much more sensible - "look into stuff" to make cycling safer. And as for lights, fuck it, we'd go ballistic if cars were driving about with no lights!

He's quite happy starting his own foundation to promote healthy ways, if he's ready to do that, he needs to be aware that his current celebrity status will have a massive impact on anything he talks about. If he wants to drop lines about safety then go get advised by someone who knows something. FFS it's not hard. If you want to throw down in politics don't be a clueless fuck.

Are you getting a bit dizzy up there on your high horse?

Ha. High horse? How am I on a high horse?

My point is valid. Do you think he started his foundation without speaking to anyone?