Posted by John Lambert on January 14, 2008 at 21:16:45 from 64.59.144.85 user Benedict.
In Reply to: Re: A refreshing take on personal safety posted by Owen Roberts on January 13, 2008 at 08:49:26:
I'm not sure if this highly refreshing disclaimer applies only to the Nelson Rocks preserve, or to all outdoor activities everywhere. I detect a desparate urge to warn everyone to watch their backs whatever they might be doing outside - or inside, for that matter. A few years ago, in British Columbia, someone was shot with an arrow. A few frantic voices were raised to ban the sale of bows, arrows and other artchery equipment. To take this kind of thought to its logical end, you would have to ban all knives, motor vehicles, including aeroplanes, ships, and probably sailing vessels too. After all, someone may fall overboard and drown. Because one woman made a fuss in Vancouver when a boy cyclist was run over by a bus, all minors must now wear an approved helmet when cycling. Although I'm sure it's all for the best of motives, I can't help feeing sorry for those little kids strapped, buckled and taped into kneepads, elbow pads, helmets and son on as if they were about to enter gladitorial combat. I remember the days of my youth when I would whizz downhill, the air flowing thrugh my helmetless hair, sans pads, straps and buckles. I fell off a few times, certanly, and got a few scrapes and bumps, but nothing fatal. If I had realized I was approaching a brick wall at 40 miles an hour I would have put on my brakes and stopped. Yes, I could stop in time, even going at that speed. While undoubtedly we have gained something, we have lost an awful lot of freedom. It is this freedom that the Swallows and Amazons enjoy, After all, they weren't duffers. Most people aren't duffeers, either. My view is that if you smash into a brick wall at 40 miles an hour, you have only yourself to blame.