DT> Maybe he's bright enough to realize that the fact that the majority 
 DT> of head injuries are from auto accidents, isn't 
 
It is germane to the discussion of a law that REQUIRES bicycle operators to 
wear helmets.
 
 DT> be that the reason this is a fact is there are 
 DT> significantly more people riding around in 
 DT> automobiles at significantly higher speeds?
 
Exactly my point.  More people are at greater risk because they are moving at 
a much higher rate of speed and their vehicle has much greater mass.  And 
yet, there is no law requiring NASCAR approved helmets for automobile 
operators.  The crux of his argument is that it is immoral for people to put 
themselves at risk and cost society money.  This cannot be true for bicycle 
operators but not true for automobile operators.
 
My belief is that the much more necessary helmet law for auto passengers is 
not enacted because it would be inconvenient for auto operators to comply, 
and that there would be massive public outcry by people who don't want their 
hair style ruined by a helmet.  The government has little to fear in this 
regard from bicycle operators, simply because we are in the minority.  The 
majority finds it very easy to push around a minority.
And if it reinforces the view of a bicycle as a toy or recreational activity 
and not a means of alternative transportation, so much the better from the 
view of the oil companies.
 
 DT> can't stand it anymore. Actually, you have far more 
 DT> government regulation to contend with while 
 DT> operating an automobile as compared to a bicycle.  
 
Correct, as you should.  An automobile is inherently more dangerous than a 
bicycle.  The point is not that bicycles should be free of regulation, or 
which mode of transportation has more onerous laws.  My point is that laws 
restricting personal freedom should be applied very cautiously, if at all, 
and must be applied fairly and logically; not used to single out a particular 
minority because it makes trauma surgeons "feel good".
 
 DT> Ah, but now I'm trying to teach a pig to sing.  I 
 
Oink oink.  La la la laaaaaa!  
--- Maximus 2.02
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