Comments for Capital Coexist

Comment on Should helmets be required for bikeshare bikes by Alex Dupuy

Alex Dupuy — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 02:15:19 +0000

I think that encouraging helmet use, but not requiring it, is the right approach. NYCDOT has done a lot of bike helmet giveaways to cyclists, and hopefully that will increase after the launch of NYC bike share next spring (really, this should be built into the financing of the franchise arrangements). Having helmet-share available as well would be nice, but I suspect that the utilization would be pretty low.

You do raise a good point about children under age 14. My daughter is only four, so this is pretty hypothetical for us as she won’t be big enough to use a bike share bike for many years to come. But I can certainly see some 11-13-year olds being big enough to use a bike share bike. Having different laws for bike share vs. personally-owned bikes doesn’t make a lot of sense, but perhaps the best solution for that is simply to lower the age limit for helmetless riding – what is the logic behind the age 14 cutoff anyhow? For car seats and front-seat riding in a car there is an issue of body size and design points for seatbelts, but I don’t see that applying to helmet use for bike riders. I think an age cut-off of 10 or 12 (the sidewalk riding age limit) for mandatory helmet use when bicycling would make more sense.

Comment on Should helmets be required for bikeshare bikes by Sarah Rain

Sarah Rain — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:02:42 +0000

Wearing bicycle helmets is a personal choice. The government should not be involved in regulating their use. Unlike motorcycle helmets, there is much less compelling evidence that bicycle helmets increase safety. Also, bicycling is a low risk activity- most statistics show that there is a higher risk of head injury per mile as a pedestrian or motorist than as a bicyclist.

Comment on Should helmets be required for bikeshare bikes by Eric J. Hamilton

Eric J. Hamilton — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 01:06:38 +0000

I am deeply biased when it comes to this question. My helmet (or at least three helmets ago) saved my life. Why not share a helmet when you share the bike?

Comment on Should helmets be required for bikeshare bikes by ivan vamos

ivan vamos — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 20:44:48 +0000

We rented bikes many times as at a number of train stations in the Netherlands, Denmark and some other locations. They did not have or require helmets. The NYS VTL is an issue for those renting who are under the age that requires helmets. The best option is to have helmets available for rent at a nominal fee for those who want them, or those who are under age. Some problems arise regarding fitting and sanitizing the helmets after use.

Comment on Should helmets be required for bikeshare bikes by healthy

healthy — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 20:27:12 +0000

Riding any kind of bike in unfamiliar territory can increase the chances that the rider might make a mistake. Wearing a helmet makes any ride safer. What would be wrong with planning for helmets to be provided along with the rental bike? Why not rent both? I believe there are sanitary measures that can be taken to ensure that the helmet is all that gets shared.
As a helmet user over the age of 14, I would be very uncomfortable NOT wearing a helmet. In the 2 cities where I have used ride share bikes, helmets came along with the rental.

Comment on Should helmets be required for bikeshare bikes by daleyplanit

daleyplanit — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 19:37:19 +0000

I’ve used bike shares in Montreal and Denver and I’ve seen first hand how great bike shares have been for cities like Paris and Barcelona. None of these places require helmets. Bike shares are great ways for tourists to explore a city on an intimate level and on the cheap. I think requiring all users of a bike share to bring a helmet along makes it very difficult for non-residents to utilize the bikes – and is likely to be a significant deterrent. I’m 100% behind helmet use, and it should be encouraged – but requiring it could leave a segment of the marketplace unable/unwilling to rent the bikes.

Comment on Should helmets be required for bikeshare bikes by Capital Coexist

Capital Coexist — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 19:25:14 +0000

None in this region yet. The City of Albany will be looking at the feasibility of a bikeshare program as part of the CDTC Linkage Program.

Comment on Should helmets be required for bikeshare bikes by Carrie Ward

Carrie Ward — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 19:22:35 +0000

Where are the bikeshare bikes???

Comment on NYS Passes Complete Streets Legislation by Molly Gagné

Molly Gagné — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 22:01:48 +0000

Complete Streets legislation will support the planned multi-use trail along Geyser Rd. in Saratoga Springs. No longer will city residents have to pack their bikes in the car to access the Spa State Park one mile away. The slogan “walkable community” will become fact instead of fiction. Thank you for supporting this important initiative.

Comment on NYS Passes Complete Streets Legislation by Carrie Ward

Carrie Ward — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 18:08:01 +0000

This is good news! Thanks for posting.