Sikhs exempt Helmets..Segways to allowed in QLD

[csv8]

QUEENSLANDERS will be exempt from wearing helmets while cycling on the basis of religious beliefs.

Transport Minister Scott Emerson says the laws are expected to be in place by the end of the year and follow the lead of Victoria, South Australian, and Western Australia.

Mr Emerson says people will not have to apply for exemption and a commonsense approach will be used.

The laws won't extend to motorbikes or mopeds.

The changes comes after a Queensland Sikh successfully challenged a fine last month because his religion requires him to wear a turban.

Also on Tuesday, Mr Emerson is expected to jump on a segway and cruise around footpaths and bikeways of Brisbane.

He will announce the two-wheeled, self-balancing vehicles will soon be allowed greater access to public pathways.
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/b...-1226626807834

[Road Games]

Umm well ok then so we will no longer need to wear push bike helmets ?

[TheSneakiness]

So applying to TMR for exemption on wearing a helmet cause it'll mess up my hair.

Yes, this is how *** ridiculous our country has turned into. If he falls off his bike and cracks his skull open I will just laugh.

[Road_Warrior]

Unbelievable. How utterly stupid.

[Grunter]

Only stupid if people choose not to wear a helmet. But much more stupid is "needing" to have a law to force people to wear a helmet.

[EDManual]

one rule for all?!! Isnt that how its meant to work?


Oh yeah, I strongly believe that speeding is not dangerous if done in safe conditions like empty freeways. Therefore I will drive at 200.

[LG17]

Originally Posted by EDManual

one rule for all?!! Isnt that how its meant to work?

Yeah absolutely!!!


Oh, except some

[FPV414]

I'm Sikh but don't wear a turban, but understanding and knowing my religion and the importance of the "turban", the responses in this thread scream ignorance.

[csv8]

FPV414 maybe then, you will pay medical bills for fractured skull. instead of Medicare ???

[mike_nofx]

Why are we forced to wear helmets... for our own safety.

In other words, the government is saying 'We dont care about the safety of religious fanatics'.

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Grunter

Only stupid if people choose not to wear a helmet. But much more stupid is "needing" to have a law to force people to wear a helmet.

It's legislating for common sense, which sadly is the norm these days because people don't see the need to think for themselves and take responsibility for their actions. I wonder what will happen the first time someone bins their **** under this exemption and gets brain injuries, I guess the taxpayer will be forced to foot the bill??

[flappist]

http://www.adcq.qld.gov.au/Brochures07/race_relig.html

This opens a whole can of worms as there are some who would ride motorcycles without helmets and before the altitudinal equestrians arc up there are many on here who would drive cars without ABS, air bags or crumple zones and remember once it was legal and not considered overly unsafe for anyone to ride without a helmet but more importantly there are LOTS of people including myself who would ride a push bike without a helmet and do not care in the slightest that others consider this to be unsafe in tha same way I do not care that Harold Scruby thinks performance cars are unsafe.

[dallasv8]

what a croc of S@*t
one rule for everyone,if one person has to wear a helmet, everyone has to wear a helmet.no exceptions.

[csv8]

A SEGWAY is no longer just a way of changing the topic, the Queensland Government believes it is a legitimate form of transportation.

In what is believed to be a first in Australia, the LNP is allowing Segway riders to hop on to footpaths and bikeways as long as a proper helmet is worn.

Of course, the proper helmet is only required if it does not impinge on the user's religious beliefs after exceptions to government regulation was made on Tuesday.

For those in the dark, a Segway is "two-wheeled, self-balancing vehicle", which looks like a plank with wheels and a handle.

Transport Minister Scott Emerson said the change would open up opportunity for guided tours for visitors.

"Currently some tourist operators in Queesland use a Segway for guided tours however our changes mean anyone at any time is able to use a Segway on footpaths and bikeways," he said.

The plan has the support of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council.

Regulations will be changed to allow Segway access in the latter half of the year.
http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au...gways/1840115/

[flappist]

Originally Posted by csv8

FPV414 maybe then, you will pay medical bills for fractured skull. instead of Medicare ???

Just as long as footballers, boxers, triathletes, surfers etc. etc. all have to because they do things that others don't.

This thread is getting a bit to close to breeching T&C.

You have ALL been warned.

(Well actually you all have not been warned yet but keep pushing the barrow and you will)

[TheSneakiness]

Originally Posted by FPV414

I'm Sikh but don't wear a turban, but understanding and knowing my religion and the importance of the "turban", the responses in this thread scream ignorance.

My response is not ignorant as you like to put it.

My observation is purely one of safety. Let's use the "fall off bike and hit head" scenario.

Wearing helmet - likely less injury and damage
Wearing turban - likely more injury and damage

The make up of a turban is NOT the same as an Australian Standards approved helmet.

Sometimes it's best to leave your beliefs behind for self awareness.

[aussie muscle]

He will announce the two-wheeled, self-balancing vehicles will soon be allowed greater access to public pathways.

what took him so long?

could they change the law to 'you go without a helmet at your own risk'? i guess they'd rather make it compulsory and fine anyone who doesn't.

Originally Posted by LG17

...and what about the turban wearing Sikh's ignorance of the law.

He could wrap a bandage around his helmet making it a "safe turban"?

[flappist]

Originally Posted by Rapid_Axe

My response is not ignorant as you like to put it.

My observation is purely one of safety. Let's use the "fall off bike and hit head" scenario.

Wearing helmet - likely less injury and damage
Wearing turban - likely more injury and damage

The make up of a turban is NOT the same as an Australian Standards approved helmet.

Sometimes it's best to leave your beliefs behind for self awareness.

Is that like:

Driving new camry - likely less injury and damage
Driving old Falcon - likely more injury and damage

Phase 3 GTHOs et. al. do NOT comply with 2013 ADRs.......

Now come back with a point like "the GTHO once did so it should be exempt" or "GTHO is a special case" or "GTHOs are an important part of Australian culture".......

[TheSneakiness]

Originally Posted by flappist

Is that like:

Driving new camry - likely less injury and damage
Driving old Falcon - likely more injury and damage

Phase 3 GTHOs et. al. do NOT comply with 2013 ADRs.......

Now come back with a point like "the GTHO once did so it should be exempt" or "GTHO is a special case" or "GTHOs are an important part of Australian culture".......

Not the point I'm trying to get across, you know that I know that's not the case. A car is a car and you'll get hurt regardless of the car type.

I'm saying that if a Sikh fell off a two wheeled contraption wearing a turban instead of a helmet and hit their head he is more likely to suffer brain damage.

[Erko]

I reckon its OK if the turban meets Australian standards / ADRs

some of them look pretty solidly put together

[Yellow_Festiva]

I wonder... How many motorcyclists have voiced their outrage at Muslim women who enter a bank with a full burka?

Not fussed if they do or don't wear a helmet.

[FGII-XR6]

I feel that comment in its self shows ignorance. most are upset that they are forced to wear a helmet but because of religion some are exempt . this is discrimination , either all are forced to comply or none are. why should we have an unequal burden just because we don't believe in a particular religious doctrine

Originally Posted by FPV414

I'm Sikh but don't wear a turban, but understanding and knowing my religion and the importance of the "turban", the responses in this thread scream ignorance.

[turbodewd]

Segways r orsum fun and a jeneus invenshun! Not cheep tho, about $10,000!

[Whitey-AMG]

Oh dear.......
And we thought the GT v T3 v Turbo debate was bad........

Now where's that damn popcorn.........

[Alan D Segal]

There was, according to the 2011 census, around 70,000 Sikhs in Australia. That's less than 1/2 of a percent of the Australian population. Given that not all of them will ride bikes that's even a smaller percentage.

Plus, I have only seen males wearing turbans - so you could probably half that number again (happy to be corrected if I'm wrong, though).

Not a huge risk. Especially when you consider that Sikhs also prohibit intoxication by alcohol/drugs. So csv8 a proportion might be at more risk while riding a bike without a helmet, but at less risk of alcohol-related accident injuries or violence etc. and less risk of needing medicare for that.

[Professor Farnsworth]

Posts on race, religion or politics are best left for forums of that nature.