Helmet charges Result in Court Sequel

For immediate release

Helmet charges Result in Court Sequel

Mid September court dates loom for bareheaded cyclist trio.

Cycling Health founder member Graeme Trass of Taupo and Dunedin member Gregor Campbell will attend court in their respective islands on 17 September 2003 to defend charges of failing to wear an approved helmet while cycling. Wellington member Dr Peter Keller a 60 year old anesthetist has a preliminary hearing on the same charge on 19 September 2003.

Cycling Health is a group promoting repeal of the bicycle helmet law and the defendants have been ticketed at different times and locations over the last nine months for cycling bareheaded in defiance of the current rule. Trass says he will defend the charge vigorously and cites the harm compulsion has caused. Empty school bike racks, declining cyclist numbers, erosion of civil liberties with no effective reduction in head injuries point to a flawed rationale.

A helmet cures all ills philosophy to the exclusion of other initiatives has done nothing to promote cycling as a safe healthy activity.

Graeme Trass
PO Box 1627, Taupo
07 3771498
www.cyclinghealth.org.nz

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