An extra 3.5"
I am back on the iTunes bandwagon and downloading all kinds of interesting podcasts. I don't own an iPod so music isn't my true interest on iTunes , but when it comes to podcasts I can't stop searching for interesting topics. If you want to waste a few hours of your precious life then get on iTunes and download FREE podcasts of comedy, fitness, politics, news or any other thing you can imagine.
So far I have just a few that I've found interesting enough to subscribe to. One is called Yoga Today, one is the NPR - Story of the Day, another is The Pilates Podcast, and lastly there is 60-Second Science. All of those podcasts are available free on their respective websites, or you can easily subscribe to them through iTunes and have it download automatically.
As I was going through podcast archives on 60-Second Science I came across an item about a study in the UK regarding bicycle helmets. The podcast is called Bike Helmet Paradox, and it's regarding a study conducted by a traffic psychologist from the University of Bath.
Dr. Ian Walker found that bicyclists not wearing a helmet were given more space by passing vehicles, an extra 3.5" on average, while those wearing a helmet were twice as likely to have a close call with drivers. Dr. Walker states the appearance of a cyclist helps determine how much space a driver will allow the cyclist. In other words, those wearing helmets are considered more experienced and know what their doing while non-helmet wearers are considered more dangerous. Therefore, drivers will stay farther away from non-helmet wearers.
To make life even scarier for us, the study found that larger vehicles such as buses and trucks passed closer than cars. On a bright note, SUVs did not show a propensity to get closer than ordinary cars. The doctor even wore a wig to attempt to depict the appearance of a woman from a distance, guess what, that got him even more space. I'd hate to hear how close drivers get if you're bald.
Not surprisingly the doctor was hit twice while conducting this study, and true to the study's results he was wearing a helmet both times he was hit. The end result? Either be female without a helmet or wear a wig without a helmet and you'll get all the room you need on your next ride!
Go HERE to read the official press release "Wearing a helmet puts cyclists at risk, suggests research"
So far I have just a few that I've found interesting enough to subscribe to. One is called Yoga Today, one is the NPR - Story of the Day, another is The Pilates Podcast, and lastly there is 60-Second Science. All of those podcasts are available free on their respective websites, or you can easily subscribe to them through iTunes and have it download automatically.
As I was going through podcast archives on 60-Second Science I came across an item about a study in the UK regarding bicycle helmets. The podcast is called Bike Helmet Paradox, and it's regarding a study conducted by a traffic psychologist from the University of Bath.
Dr. Ian Walker found that bicyclists not wearing a helmet were given more space by passing vehicles, an extra 3.5" on average, while those wearing a helmet were twice as likely to have a close call with drivers. Dr. Walker states the appearance of a cyclist helps determine how much space a driver will allow the cyclist. In other words, those wearing helmets are considered more experienced and know what their doing while non-helmet wearers are considered more dangerous. Therefore, drivers will stay farther away from non-helmet wearers.
To make life even scarier for us, the study found that larger vehicles such as buses and trucks passed closer than cars. On a bright note, SUVs did not show a propensity to get closer than ordinary cars. The doctor even wore a wig to attempt to depict the appearance of a woman from a distance, guess what, that got him even more space. I'd hate to hear how close drivers get if you're bald.
Not surprisingly the doctor was hit twice while conducting this study, and true to the study's results he was wearing a helmet both times he was hit. The end result? Either be female without a helmet or wear a wig without a helmet and you'll get all the room you need on your next ride!
Go HERE to read the official press release "Wearing a helmet puts cyclists at risk, suggests research"
posted by NashvilleCyclist.com at 11/28/2006 09:23:00 PM
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