Naked New Zealand cyclist fined for not wearing a helmet

The 33-year-old man was not charged with indecent exposure or cycling under the influence of alcohol, but only for not protecting his head

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The debate in Britain about whether wearing a helmet when cycling should be made compulsory rumbles on, but in New Zealand donning a lid is more important than wearing clothes.

An unnamed 33-year-old was pulled over by Kiwi police while cycling naked in the city of Timaru and fined him for not protecting his head, according to Stuff.nz.

>>> Best bike helmets: a beginner’s guide

The website also reported that the rider was under the influence of alcohol, but drink-driving laws do not apply to bikes.

“There is an offence of careless use of a vehicle, and as 'vehicle' is defined in a way that includes bicycles, it could be used,” said Timaru police Senior Sergeant Randel Tikitiki.

“While impairment on its own would unlikely result in a conviction, impairment combined with erratic driving behaviour - ie weaving all over the road and getting in the way of other drivers - possibly could.”

The rider wasn’t charged with indecent exposure because it would “depend on what could be seen” according to Sgt Tikitiki.

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Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.