Cycling in Melbourne Australia
Can Fremantle break out of the Helmet trap?
In Fremantle found and interviewed the first Pollie I''ve come across who, wanting Bike share for his city, is prepared to tackle the helmet problem head on.
Why I wonder is Mayor, Brad Pettitt, open when others are not? Is it because he's ridden Velibs in Paris and brings a special love of helmet free Bike share at it's best to his plans?
How come he's adamant that, when it comes to health, wider heath concerns trump pro helmet arguments, when others refuse to even think down that path, let alone tread it.
Lastly, at Brad's level of political power, a local mayor, what can he actually do to institute a helmet exemption for Bike Share in Fremantle? It's a state matter, I assume.
Yet, I've found out that the person behind the curious helmet exemption which the NT enjoys, was a woman in Alice Springs. This person, years ago, reputedly collected a petition of around 500 signatures again comp. helmets (her argument was that they were too hot) an on the basis of that tiny petition,she got the law overturned for the NT.
Sound improbable , I know. I'm trying to find out more, and will fly to Alice if nec. to get the full story. Anyone know anything? Meanwhile, here's the latest chapter in the story. Bike Share for Fremantle
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seKDQ7_QIyQ
Tags: Brad, Darwin, Fremante, Helmet, Pettitt, bike, changing, compulsory, exemption, for, More…
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Rebeka Axon on -
Well done Mike,
I hope through your documentaries messages will be heard by the people who can change the laws. In the meantime I will continue to ride safely and confidently without a helmet and risk the fine.
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Permalink Reply by Steve Jay on -
Nice work, Mike. The problem a mayor faces is that the helmet laws come from State and Federal legislation which no local government can override (pun intended ;-) Still, it's nice to see a big talker with the balls to give it a red-hot go. If nothing it'll raise the campaign profile.
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Permalink Reply by Peter Robinson on -
What about a petition?
Many people I have talked to about this issue have agreed that helmets should be voluntary for adults.
It could be time to draw up a petition and start looking for signatures.
I have not heard of it being tried in other states, only the NT where it was successful.
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Permalink Reply by Mike rubbo on -
Peter, Yes, I believe the the NT exemption was a achieved with a small petition of around 5oo name.s I am currently investigating this. What you suggest, is a very good idea. Mike
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Permalink Reply by Rebeka Axon on
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I will be the first to sign!
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Permalink Reply by Steve Jay on
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Race you to it ;-) The real issue is, who will pursue signatures? We need more than 500 in Victoria, we probably need at least 5000.
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Permalink Reply by Peter Robinson on
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The key to the whole thing is the wording of the petition the same as it is with surveys. If you get that right it will be easy. I can see myself pursuing signatures.
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Permalink Reply by Rebeka Axon on
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Amazing how when the idea is put out there the resources come to you. Unfortunately I am not too savvy on the ol internet but if someone is able to set up something through a group online then signatures surely would be easy to get en masse. Anyone good with this? Steve Jay is quite good at wording things....Steve????
Lets get this ball roliing.
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Permalink Reply by Steve Jay on
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I'm happy to have a crack at wording the petition but would feel more comfortable if somebody here is (or knows) a lawyer to formalise the wording. A petition to parliament (which is what we need to have a law repealled) isn't just an open letter with a bunch of signatures, it has to follow a prescribed form and can only be submitted to State Parliament in hard copy and all signatures must be hand-written.
Looks like we need a lot of vollies on street corners with clipboards.
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Permalink Reply by Rebeka Axon on
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I am prepared to vollie on a street corner.
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Permalink Reply by Jack on -
A couple of tables in popular group ride start/finish locations along beach road and the 1/20 would be a good start.
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Permalink Reply by Peter Robinson on
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The bike share locations themselves might be a good source of signatures as alot of people come up and check it out but do not hire. They could be cornered for a signature as very little explanation would be necessary.
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