Cycling in Waterloo Region

[danbrotherston]

I think his posts can sometimes be depressing and negative because there is such a monumental shift in culture needed. Facing all the shortcomings in how we build our cities can be discouraging. In any case, he's not just a cynic sitting behind a keyboard, he's actively engaged with the community trying to change it for the better. He's taken positive action that few can claim; give him a break if his posts aren't all sunny days.

My view on helmets is maybe a little different than others. The sort of riding I do involves a certain risk of crashing without even factoring in vehicles, which maybe influences my perspective. I'm aware of the data that helmets don't necessarily reduce fatalities, but I'm also acutely aware of how debilitating concussions and other head injuries can be, and helmets can help avoid that when accidents do happen. My reading of the article about the incident in Ayr didn't make it clear to me that the fault lay with the driver. It may well have been entirely the cyclist's responsibility, or not. Regardless, in this case there was a crash potentially involving a head injury; a helmet may help reduce the severity of the injuries.

I appreciate the response.  Certainly some types of riding demand a helmet independent of road safety.  And I would always agree with "before hitting the trails, put on helmet" or whatever your favourite flavor of cycling, is always good advice.  And I'm in no way advocating *against* helmets.  I have a helmet from my collision that proves they were helpful.  And it is perhaps unfair of me to point out the Netherlands as an example where it would be bad advice to wear a helmet

But I really do believe the opportunity cost, plus the message to drivers makes the police statement in fact, one that is contrary to safety.  I see it as similar to the "share the road" signs.  Studies were done, they increase antagonism on the road because cyclists and drivers interpret them differently.  To cyclists, they mean drivers must share, to drivers they mean, cyclists should get out of the way.

danbrotherson. It doesn't say that at all! 
I am so tired of your continued angry posts that ruin this forum for everyone. I've been on this forum since the beginning and Wonderful Waterloo before that. I don't believe that you have ever posted a positive comment. I'll probably get banned from this group but I'm sure that there will also be a lot of people quietly agreeing with me. Now to figure out how to block your posts so that I can continue to enjoy the bulk of this forum with out having to deal with your annoying rants and rages.

I do believe it says that some drivers, the comment threads facebook make this clear enough to me, but you're welcome to disagree, or argue otherwise.

I am sorry that you interpret my comments as "angry rants" they are not intended that way, and I'm sorry that my comments have harmed your enjoyment of this forum.  If you wish to block me, you can do so easily by clicking my handle and going to "Add to Ignore List".  I do think it is unfair to say I've never posted anything positive, as this is clearly not true.  Ironic as well, given that just last week I was angrily accused of being far too positive with respect to our citys' cycling policies.  I also hope you do not speak for the "majority" or "everyone" here.