swak

Hey, maybe you can help me think of a topic here...

i want to do a speech on cycling, has to be a persuasive speech on a controversial topic..

So far i started on 'creating awareness for cyclists on the road, show respect'.
But, im positive theres a better idea out there.. Got anything?

ChrizzleDizzle6

maybe something like how cycling is the best exercise and that it increases longevity in life. a counter arguement would be "what if i dont know how to ride a bike?" and you could say they make trainingwheels and tricycles!

Doohickie

How about "Courtesy versus Safety" and discuss vehicular cycling versus riding along the gutter?

Ware

I've heard about the occasional idiot who asserts that cyclists have no right to the road because they don't pay commensurate road taxes or whatever for doing so. Interesting, huh? Not really, but it would be easy to shoot down.

enjoi07

use chris boardman's theory on wearing a helmet. have no clue where the link is. maybe someone else knows.

ptle

My girlfriend actually did a speech on bicycle safety for her public speaking class this year. From what I remembered the focus of the speech were on three main points. I think they were something like being aware that cyclists use the road and have the same rights as motorists, the three foot passing law, and something about how good cycling is for everyone (less pollution, better health, lower costs, etc...).

She was required to use source from books and websites (that were .edu or .org). I know she used some statistics published on various websites. f you do some research I'm sure you can find lots of information out with concerning bicycle safety and statistics.

BTW, I have the shirt form of your avatar.

big chainring

Bike commuting versus car commuting.

kimconyc

Should doping be allowed in pro sports?

Your "audience" will fall asleep if you start talking about cycling.

If you insist on the bike topic, debate on whether or not helmets should be required.

StephenH

I suspect that some of the controversial things in cycling would lose their impact on a general-interest audience that didn't have any knowledge or opinion on that particular topic. Something more basic, such as whether bikes belong on the road, might be easier to get across.

kindablue

I agree with both of these folks... I doubt most people know much about cycling at all, so it might not be a good idea to dive into a topic they are unfamiliar with. I like the idea of doping in pro sports.
--->Steroids are illegal for MLB players, but what about lesser forms of doping like caffeine in tri-atheletes? What if there were an "almost steroid" drug for MLB players, would it be kosher to use it then?