The scary part of this tragedy is that Ms. Richardson evidently did not fall all that hard.
I concur that a helmet can make a big difference in a low-speed fall or a minor collision. The only danger in wearing one is risk compensation, so I always try to ride as though I just realized that I forgot to put on my helmet.
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069