Troy Parker

From ChapmanCentral

Carlie Annetts, mother of Troy Parker, who died of head injuries following a bike crash, journeyed to London to campaign in favour of the Martlew Bill. Troy was used as a poster child for the Martlew campaign.

This was reported in the BBC's story about the bill. Note also the prominence of well-known cyclist David Coulthard in this story.

Troy's crash happened when he rode his BMX bike, which had a broken front brake, off the pavement into the path of a car.

Here are two extracts from the Coroner's verdict on the case, courtesy of uk.rec.cycling regular JohnB:

"It seems the local authority should consider making it abundantly clear the path is for pedestrians only and not for cyclists"

"The law is very strict when it comes to cars but there are no laws when it comes to bikes. It is up to owners to ensure bikes are safe. The consequences at not getting round to routine maintenance can, and in this case were, tragic and fatal."

I believe that this story, as much as any other, demonstrates the profound danger of aggressive helmet advocacy. To suggest that a plastic hat is in some way a substitute for correct maintenance, or indeed for riding safely and legally, is profoundly disturbing.

What is worse, is that the grieving mother has been told that her son's life would have been saved had "they" (the mythical "they" who should do something about congestion, traffic danger and obesity) forced him to wear a helmet.

This is one of the most distasteful pieces of shroud-waving I have seen from the pro-helmet lobby. It is also Complete Bollocks^TM since the same They also have laws forbidding cycling on the pavement and requiring bicycles to be properly maintained, both of which were clearly ignored by the unfortunate victim.