Originally Posted by
Juha
One problem with providing bike share services here is our mandatory helmet law. The question has been raised (pros/cons of helmet use aside), since we have such a law, is it OK for anyone to provide shared bikes and NOT provide the mandatory equipment that is required to ride one.
I'm 110% against mandatory helmet laws. But if you're stuck with one, it seems like the bike share program would almost have to provide helmets along with the bikes. First, they need the good will of the local authorities who enforce the helmet law. Second, like ekdog said, users won't typically be carrying a helmet with them when they decide to rent a bike.
This problem is further proof that mandatory helmet laws are a tool used by the anti-bicycling lobby. They have nothing at all to do with safety.