Give them informed choice.  Start enforcing the 'ped restrictions so our 16 year olds are somewhat protected from themselves.  If/when they progress, give them informed choice and affordable options, but don't demonise them for choosing not to wear it...[Quote..]

 

Nobody picked u up but doing up to 50 mph and certainly exceeding the speed limit of 30 mph with no protective clothing and u are looking for gravel rash at least.  As i understand it the bike helmet is only approved for acccidents up to 11 mph.  so Brendan u are certainly pushing the envelope of safety even tho on a motorbike u are dressed respectfully.  no shirt and short pants and sandels there i see.

 

I am with u , there is conflicting evidence from all over the world from the Americas to Australia about the value of ce approved protection. many custom bikers wouldnt be seen dead in cordura but then if u see them they are o.t.t. with regard to the wearing of leather.numerous layers of them.

 

Goldwing riders are a breed apart ....  some dont acknowledge them as proper motorcyclists and the instances of accidents they suffer is minimal compared with sports bike, fully leather clad riders or as u mentioned youngster on scoots round town.

 

If u look at the areas that are protected. shoulders elbows and knees its no wonder that many suffer a broken collar bone cos that fracture is by indirect force.[ to the hand or elbow]  on the other hand if one comes off , high siding or even sliding, if one hits another object mid shaft of a bone ie upper arm, lower arm, thigh or leg then if the force is sufficient all those bones are going to break as well as the hip or pelvic bones.  little or no protection there.

 

What we must not be is complacent.   as a rider we must be aware even fully armoured up, of our vulnerability, enjoy the ride, enjoy the road but ride defensively and with space around us.