Queensland Will Move Ahead With Religious Exemption To Bicycle Helmet Rule

Today's Brisbane Courier Mail reports that Campbell Newman, premier of the Australian state of Queensland, has decided to introduce legislation to amend the Queensland Road Rules to provide a religious exemption to the state's bicycle helmet requirement.  The exemption, urged by Sikhs in Australia, will cover those who practice a religion that requires a head covering be worn that prevents use of a helmet.  The government is moving ahead with the proposal despite studies that show serious head injury is 5 times more likely for those wearing a turban than a helmet.  The states of Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia already have similar exemptions.