Part A “The Bike Helmet Debate”

Question

by Peter Walker

Which statement expresses a central idea of the text?

Responses

People who advocate for helmet use do not understand how dangerous it is for cyclists during accidents.

People who advocate for helmet use do not understand how dangerous it is for cyclists during accidents.

Cycling without a helmet is one of the most unsafe activities that a person can do on a busy road.

Cycling without a helmet is one of the most unsafe activities that a person can do on a busy road.

Governments should ban bike helmet use rather than mandating it, as it increases cyclists’ risk of injury.

Governments should ban bike helmet use rather than mandating it, as it increases cyclists’ risk of injury.

Bike helmet mandates are unlikely to increase overall safety for cyclists in a community.

Answer 1

The statement that expresses a central idea of the text is:

Bike helmet mandates are unlikely to increase overall safety for cyclists in a community.

This statement captures a key argument often made in discussions about the effectiveness of helmet laws and their impact on cycling safety.

Answer 2

Part B

Which quotation provides the best support for the answer in Part A?

Responses

“As a cyclist, I don’t object to helmets or to high-visibility clothing.” (paragraph 1)

“As a cyclist, I don’t object to helmets or to high-visibility clothing.” (paragraph 1)

“‘I understand exactly why people feel so passionately about helmets or hi-vis,’ Boardman wrote.” (paragraph 2)

“‘I understand exactly why people feel so passionately about helmets or hi-vis,’ Boardman wrote.” (paragraph 2)

“You don’t make cycling safe by obliging every rider to dress up as if for urban warfare. You do it by creating a road system that insulates them from fast-moving and unpredictable road traffic.” (paragraph 3)

“You don’t make cycling safe by obliging every rider to dress up as if for urban warfare. You do it by creating a road system that insulates them from fast-moving and unpredictable road traffic.” (paragraph 3)

“He was among a series of doctors who wrote to the British Medical Association requesting that it formally call for mandatory helmet use. It subsequently did, a decision that remains controversial.” (paragraph 4)

Answer 3

The quotation that provides the best support for the answer in Part A is:

“You don’t make cycling safe by obliging every rider to dress up as if for urban warfare. You do it by creating a road system that insulates them from fast-moving and unpredictable road traffic.” (paragraph 3)

This statement emphasizes that enhancing safety for cyclists involves broader infrastructural changes rather than solely focusing on helmet mandates, thus reinforcing the central idea that bike helmet mandates may not effectively increase overall safety for cyclists.