Bicycle helmet wearing in New South Wales after legislative mandate
In New South Wales compulsory helmet wearing, for bicycle riders over 16 years of age, was introduced in January 1991 and for all bicycle riders in July 1991. This paper draws on the results of a series of four observational surveys of riders in both city and rural areas, carried out for the Roads and Traffic Authority (NSW) over the period 1990-93, to monitor the effect of the legislation. It is argued that by 1993 the initial post-introduction period was past and the mature effect of the law, both on ridership and compliance, could be seen. The 1993 survey of over 10,000 observations found no drop in adult ridership following legislation. There were fewer children riding, but numbers varied with the area - suggesting multiple reasons for the decrease. An average figure for helmet wearing would be misleading since the level varies significantly across the population from excellent to poor compliance. The level of protection afforded by a bicycle helmet is also discussed because a considerable proportion of riders lose the advantage of the helmet by wearing it incorrectly.
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Availability:
- Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/isbn/0869106791
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Authors:
- Smith, N C
- Milthorpe, F W
- Conference:
- Publication Date: 1995
Language
- English
Media Info
- Pagination: 153-64
- Monograph Title: Proceedings, 1994 Australian Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety and Travel Workshop, Melbourne, Australia
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Before and after studies; Compliance; Cyclists; Helmets; Legislation; Travel behavior
- ATRI Terms: Before and after study; Compliance; Cyclist; Helmet; Legislation; Road user behaviour
- Subject Areas: Law; Pedestrians and Bicyclists;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01435557
- Record Type: Publication
- Source Agency: ARRB
- ISBN: 0869106791
- Files: ATRI
- Created Date: Aug 24 2012 7:05PM