We’ve done posts about legislative moves to put an end to traffic stops over things like expired tags or busted taillights because blacks are more likely to get pulled over and shot by racist police officers, so the only solution is to stop enforcing these traffic laws.
Now we’re reading that King County, Washington — where Seattle calls home — is putting an end to its bicycle helmet mandate because the people getting stopped most were black or homeless.
Seattle: The King County Board of Health voted to repeal its helmet law for bicycle riders over concerns the law was racist against blacks. https://t.co/smxjr5kCU3
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) February 19, 2022
Oregon Live reports:
In the face of data showing enforcement has been both minimal and has disproportionately affected people of color and those experiencing homelessness, the King County Board of Health voted to repeal its decades-old mandatory helmet law for bicycle riders. The repeal goes into effect in 30 days.
…
“Helmets save lives, full stop. But the disproportional enforcement of the requirement gives us concern” about how it affects people who are homeless and communities of color, [King County Councilmember Joe] McDermott said before the vote.
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) February 19, 2022
https://twitter.com/bonchieredstate/status/1495158922516254729
https://twitter.com/Ty_Lookwell/status/1495175250484424709
— David Berry (@DavidWBerry) February 19, 2022
File this under: agree with the outcome, but not the ludicrous reasoning
— Bing⭕️wyo (@blakewy) February 19, 2022
Sure, why not.
— Michael Haze (@SubvisualHaze) February 19, 2022
Whatever works.
— El Jefe (@ElJefe_1975) February 19, 2022
The history of helmets is shrouded in white supremacy.
— Lambo (@JeanVa1jean12) February 19, 2022
https://twitter.com/ItsTeamGoodGuy1/status/1495168611773599746
Wouldn't they want to protect blacks by handing out free helmets?
— Gina Pence (@GinaPence1) February 19, 2022
According to the story, the Metropolitan King County Council recently budgeted more than $200,000 to buy helmets and expand education.
So ridiculous.
— OhGoodGrief (@ohgoodgriefintx) February 19, 2022
At least you have 1 freedom left
— Democrat Thedumbass (@D_Thedumbass) February 19, 2022
One less law. There's that.
— Ozzie West (@OzzieWestMI) February 19, 2022
Just following the science again
— Tim 🇺🇸 (@thesaultyTTT) February 19, 2022
the logic is flawless.
— Mantis Toboggan (@coffeethc) February 19, 2022
That’s cool with me, progressive city just following in Florida’s footsteps
— HawaiianKong 🐊 (@HawaiianKong) February 19, 2022
I thought for sure this was satire
— theMeglopolitan (@themeglopolitan) February 19, 2022
Glad they solved the other issues in Seattle – I am sure it is idyllic there now.
— ULTRA unacceptable views 🍊🚚🚛🪧 (@iAMPTR67) February 19, 2022
I mean, as long as it’s for the right reasons.
— Chuck Norwich, MD (@norwich_chuck) February 19, 2022
😂 i agree with the repeal but the reason is so blatantly racist. The bigotry of low expectations helps shine light on what these people think about the marginalized groups they preach they defend.
— NoOneInParticular (@SweateyYeti) February 19, 2022
https://twitter.com/JoeSchm14314510/status/1495157971994742786
Proving leftists will do anything to claim phony racism, even if it hurts someone else.
— Stephen (@01splcheck) February 19, 2022
So, were bicycle cops handing out tickets to black and homeless cyclists disproportiately or were blacks and the homeless just less likely to wear helmets? We’re fairly sure the county spent hundreds of thousands on a study to find out.
Related:
‘Karen is getting police powers’: Berkeley, Calif. moves forward with plan to have unarmed civilians enforce traffic laws (what could POSSIBLY go wrong?) https://t.co/TAkyqNCGd4 pic.twitter.com/3lEYCYB6p6
— Twitchy Team (@TwitchyTeam) July 16, 2020