Far too conservative a figure....

This all sounds like the contrived arguments spouted around the introduction of compulsory motorcycle helmets and compulsory seatbelts. Apparently wearing seat belts was going to cause more accidents and deaths. Same with motorcycle helmets. Not the best predictions ever made.

To me I don't find these things intrusive unlike being forced to surrender my blood for a DNA database.

So you have never seen drivers with iPods?

I wasn't wearing a helmet when this happened. The DHL van didn't worry about me.

Not too mention being annoying as they drag themselves round the park, with their heavy breathing and generally being sweaty.

I'm not arguing one way or the other. What I am saying is that there is good evidence for both sides of the argument, which there wasn't in the case of seat belts, I don't know anything about the motorcycle helmet argument. Under these conditions it should be voluntary rather than mandatory.

THe key is for you to understand the risks in your own mind and then make your own decision based on them. In the same way I would have no objection to volunteering my DNA fingerprint for a DNA database.

My better half rides to work and back each day. In 6 months he's been hit twice. The first time, he was in a cycle lane, someone decided to swerve into a 45 degree parking space the other side and didn't check her mirror. He slammed into her back door, damaging himself quite badly (and severely denting her car). Unfortunately he was in shock so just walked the bike home, not getting any details. Witnesses asked if he wanted an ambulance but he refused. She on the other hand had an ambulance as she collapsed in a wibbling heap by the side of the road!

The other time, a Ute flew out of a side road, ignored the cycle lane and caught his LEFT hand! The driver was on the phone - need I say more. Better half yelled at him as he went past then the Ute slowed up and gave huge abuse back! That's why cyclists wear ipods - he couldn't hear so wasn't bothered!

It depends are your flaps meaty, or do you have to pump them up....mm

That shows an interesting phenomenon I've noticed. Some drivers feel the need to be in "their lane" when going over sleeping policemen. I used to see this a lot in the UK. The pillows made the problem worse as they felt the need to straddle the pillow on the left hand side of the road whereas in most cases (because there was no car coming in the opposite direction) they could straddle the one in the middle of the road.