Queensland To Relax Helmet Laws For Religious

[icyfroth]

Bob's not the only one who can open a religious discussion:

The State Government announced it will make a helmet exemption for cyclists whose religion requires them to wear headress.

"Cyclists who wear religious headdress will not be required to wear a helmet under a new law the Newman government will introduce.

The State Government announced it will make a helmet exemption for cyclists whose religion requires them to wear headress.

Last month Brisbane man Jasdeep Atwal successfully challenged a fine for not wearing a helmet - because his religion requires him to wear a turban."

http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2013/04/23/3743087.htm

"Mr Atwal said in the Sikh religion men have to wear a turban because it was mandated by Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru of Sikhs."

So hang on...

I understand faith and deep religious feeling and all. I understand turbans are a significant symbol of faith for the Sikhs.

I also understand a turban would afford a certain amount of protection to the head in case of an accident.

But the "tenth Guru of Sikhs" tells all the men of the Sikh faith to wear a turban and this edict holds sway over the law of the land which requires helmets to be worn whilst cycling as a safety measure?

Since when does Australian law recognise and heed the edicts of the "tenth Guru of Sikhs" 

Another example of blind faith IMO.

[catsnknots]

Sikhs can also carry their ceremonial knife... 

[love*today]

Bugger that! I want to carry a knife too then!

[catsnknots]

Our roads are not setup to have bike riders without helmets.. unfortunately. 

then need things like inside lanes protected by parking lanes... cycle paths that do not cross busy main roads but go over them... 

[the_hawk*]

Fully agree with post #6

if helmets were made optional I would still wear one.the amount of near misses from cars not Wanting to give way to me or looking happens daily!!

the amount of agro drivers is quite high 😕

I got taken out by another rider (not a bicycle) back in March, I have some nasty scratches on my helmet from where my head hit the road.

I am happy to be made to wear it along with all other bike riders.

and very glad I was wearing a leather vest.

[wareubin]

What next? Pastafarians demanding the right to wear noodles around their noggins. 

[icyfroth]

I wonder if that means ppl wearing a hijab or a skull cap will be exempt as well?

[id-to-post-anything]

helmets easily fit over skull caps

[Anonymous]

LT, you can just wear a beanie and say its a part of your religion. lol

whoever said it, I agree its 2013 lets move on.

[icyfroth]

Of course, and I can't see anyone objecting, but technically, as a head-covering for religious purposes, they could also be exempt.

I mean, I don't like helmet-hair either, but if I do perchance go bike-riding like I did with my GDD while I was on holiday, there's no question of going without a helmet.

[azureline**]

I think the whole thing about it being a turban is that a helmet would not fit over it.... with a beanie or a soft head covering, it would. Who would risk riding without a helmet?

I think someone should make a helmet to fit turbans......