I believe much of the demand for the compulsory wearing of cycling helmets is not motivated by altruism.  It is an attempt to impose control and order on a group which is often resented, as it is  perceived as composed of free spirits in an age when many of us feel shackled in so many ways.  Motorists need us to focus their frustration - and with any group targeted it helps if it can easily be identified.  Even when a cyclist dies from head injuries where a helmet would have been of little value, (such as the attached case), the deceased is still blamed by implication for not conforming to the model type demanded.. 

Sadly it looks as if the coroner in this case missed a number of opportunities to promote safety for cyclists.  Not least of all by calling for motorists to approach cyclists with great care, particularly from the rear,  and to be alert to body language, such as the movement of a cyclists head.  In my case I repeatedly turn my head in a pronounced fashion before starting to indicate and move my position in the road. 

I have long felt coroners should be given guidance on providing in each cycling fatality, general advice on the safeguarding of cyclists on the road..   -   A Parliamentary Question to the Transport Minister ?  

As I may have been heard saying before 'I make a mistake - I die'.  You make a mistake - I die'

Roy

CTC RTR Denbighshire/Conwy