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Do we need a new version of Godwin’s Law?

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  • August 11, 2015 at 9:01 pm #24594
    road

    Too many discussion threads are degenerating or being hijacked into helmet debates rather than what the original article is about. And it’s usually instigated be a ‘Helmet Evangelist’.

    Now, just to be clear, I do not generally wear a cycle helmet – the notable exceptions being when I am taking part in an event where the organisers have made it a prerequisite of participation (racing and sportives). That is my choice just as it is your choice to wear one. If you feel happier, safer, more confident and more likely to cycle then wear one! That is your choice.

    But Helmet Evangelists can’t leave it there! They have to try and convert you to their way of thinking, their arguments are often ad hominem, they question your intelligence, your rights to be treated for your ‘self-inflicted’ injuries (even if you didn’t suffer a head injury), your sense of social responsibility, etc, etc, etc.

    For example: Chris Boardman and Blain Walsh have produced a good video showing how drivers should overtake cyclists. Absolutely nothing whatsoever to do with helmets. Seventh comment in – Helmets!!!! Basically [Fire up adenoids] “Chris Boardman can’t have anything intelligent to say as he doesn’t/isn’t wearing a helmet!” FOR F***KS SAKE! THIS IS NOT A HELMET DEBATE!

    I would therefore like to propose a new version of Godwin’s Law to be triggered at the first mention of helmets in a non-helmet thread.
    I would like suggestions for
    1) a name for this law, and
    2) a recommended punishment for breaking it. eg. Posting privileges suspended for one week.

    Discuss.

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  • August 12, 2015 at 2:27 pm #856639
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    Jimbomitch

    Cole’s Law??? I’ll get my
    Cole’s Law??? I’ll get my coat.

    August 12, 2015 at 11:25 am #856637
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    brooksby

    Quote:For example: Chris

    For example: Chris Boardman and Blain Walsh have produced a good video showing how drivers should overtake cyclists. … FOR F***KS SAKE! THIS IS NOT A HELMET DEBATE!

    You’d never know it, to read the comments… Anyway, to the point in hand, how about “Cracknell’s Law”?

    August 12, 2015 at 11:09 am #856635
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    Scoob_84

    zealots on both side though
    zealots on both side though right? You have some people who try and convince others that helmets offer absolutely no benefit. That is simply not true, but then I am under no illusion that they will save you from being run over by a car.

    But I totally get why people discredit them, there are so many more important factors regarding cycle safety that this helmet issue is a distraction with fatal consequences.

    August 12, 2015 at 9:01 am #856633
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    Darkhairedlord

    I blame Hitler and all those
    I blame Hitler and all those who sail in her.

    August 12, 2015 at 8:29 am #856631
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    rjfrussell

    The Bell End law.
    The Bell End law.

    August 12, 2015 at 8:23 am #856629
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    Sniffer

    I sometimes read a few lines,
    I sometimes read a few lines, but have never posted on a helmet thread. They are dull and no views are changed. As I don’t engage in the debate I don’t recognise myself on either ‘side’.

    Creating a thread complaining about the ‘other sides’ bringing up of the the helmet topic to have a dig at them did make me smile this morning.

    For most of this type of argument it is best to try and look in the mirror. Is what I am going to say likely to inflame or distract the debate. Probably best not to post if it is.

    Crap threads die when nobody posts. I do wish that is what we all did with the stale topics – like the endless helmets do.

    Shit, have a broken my own rule?

    August 12, 2015 at 6:01 am #856627
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    Yorkshie Whippet

    Unfortunately it’s a perfect
    Unfortunately it’s a perfect example of herd mentality.

    If this happens can we have the same for lights in during the day and hi-vis? It is a shame that debates degenerate into post after post of “I do Xxx therefore I’m better than you!” Or “I would dead after a situation yyy if hadn’t been for xxxxx!”

    August 11, 2015 at 9:42 pm #856625
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    Toro Toro

    Not really. Those are the
    Not really. Those are the only ones where people argue back, tbh.

    I mean, I’ve got in an argument about this on – I think – exactly two threads. One of those is the aforementioned Boardman thread.

    The other was on helmet laws. So it’s hardly a diversion from the topic. And if you click on and read a seventy-comment thread about Aussie helmet laws, you’ve only yourself to blame for finding it “a helmet bore-off”.

    August 11, 2015 at 9:35 pm #856623
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    farrell

    Toro Toro wrote:These zealots

    Toro Toro wrote:
    These zealots on one side of this issue are clearly a serious problem. I can’t count the number of threads that have degenerated into people all shouting “WEAR HELMETS!!!”, and nobody at all replying.

    I cant recall a thread that you have posted in that hasn’t been a helmet bore off.

    Is there a reason why you want to fixate on agitating these rows?

    August 11, 2015 at 9:28 pm #856621
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    mrmo

    the reply is usually bluntly
    the reply is usually bluntly shut up, and deal with the elephant. I want to be able to ride with the GF, she won’t ride because she is scared of being hit by a car. Helmet no helmet make FA difference to that belief.

    August 11, 2015 at 9:19 pm #856619
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    Toro Toro

    These zealots on one side of
    These zealots on one side of this issue are clearly a serious problem. I can’t count the number of threads that have degenerated into people all shouting “WEAR HELMETS!!!”, and nobody at all replying.

    August 11, 2015 at 9:09 pm #856617
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    mrmo

    For a name, Boardman’s Law??
    For a name, Boardman’s Law??

    Only a week? feeling generous,

    for the record i usually wear a helmet, habit from years of MTBing i guess, and having crashed many times over the years, Helmets aren’t that helpful in the grand scheme of things. People have been falling out of trees for millennia, the human race is still around.

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