Commando303

Let's try to keep this clean. I'm running this thread as a poll, and, considering the question, I believe most people can simply cast a vote, maybe saying a few words, here. Please, I might be asking for the moon, but, let's try to refrain from causing this thread to be locked...

Treespeed

I have plenty of reasons to wear a helmet, but don't think there needs to be a law.
Cue the pro/anti helmet zealots in 3...2...1.

WPeabody 

Will an adult not wearing a helmet jeapordize others' safety in an accident?

Mr Danw

No, but it will make a journalist have to think about the last line in their article about the accident

mikeybikes

With the decline in cycling MHLs bring, no.

JoeyBike

I voted NO.

I'm a Libertarian. No likey guberment regulations.

irwin7638

Good luck with this! You've hit the most sensitive nerve in cycling, motorized and non-motorized. As much as I'd like to say that it is a matter of individual choice, it's not. The increased injury, morbidity and mortality rates which result from not wearing helmets affects everybody who pays insurance premiums, whether auto or property owner's. It is not a question of anybody's choice of personal safety. That is my stance, I will make no other contribution to this thread.

DX-MAN

Some states (mine, for one) mandate helmets for kids; I'm OK with that. But whether I choose to wear a helmet or not (I do), it's none of the gov't's f'n biz!

Dan The Man

There is no option for those against personal helmet use, or helmet use as a personal choice. I am all for people wearing helmets if they want, but I don't want to. I am not pro helmet. And I am not anti helmet.

Mitchxout

This is possibly the most biased, uniformed statement I've ever witnessed. There's absolutely NO proof for the burden to society argument. Furthermore, bicycle helmets are ill-conceived devices for their intended purpose. It's undeniable that a true SAFETY helmet, such as a motorcycle helmet, offers useful protection. A bicycle helmet on the other hand is nothing more than a styrofoam fashion accessory.

bmclaughlin807

Your poll sucks.

I don't 'favor helmets', nor am I 'against helmets'

I could care less about whether others wear helmets... it doesn't affect me in the slightest. On the other hand, I'm quite against mandatory helmet laws, and I don't wear one myself.

A helmet is just about the LEAST important thing I can do for my safety while I'm riding my bike...

bmclaughlin807

What about those that sit on their ass in front of their TV and get fat... diabetes, heart disease, etc. That doesn't affect insurance rates?

What a stupid argument. Pisses me the hell off every time I hear it. Last time I heard that argument, it was from a coworker who was in the process of smoking a cigarette. Gimme a friggin' break.

Square & Compas

I am calling this one out. I would like to see some stats that show an increase in insurance rates because of head injuries where the person is not dead and now requires constant care, thus raising insurance rates. I am not talking about stats of head injuries in general, I would like to see stats just showing head injuries because the person did not wear a bike helmet while riding and was in an collision or accident of some sort. Please before anyone makes a blanket statement like this show some stats to back it up.

For the record I wear a helmet. Why? Because I have had accidents and hit my head and the helmet protected me from serious injury. That is all the proof I need to convince me a helmet is a good idea. does it bother that others do not wear one? No, not at all.

I have also had accidents where I did not hit my head at all. In fact I have had more accidents where I did not hit my head then ones where I have, yet I still wear a helmet.

I also think some people are confusing safe riding skills with helmet use. A helmet will not make you a safer rider or improve your skills. It is a piece of protective equipment, nothing more, nothing less. Only your skills as a cyclist will protect you from the known kinds of danger and hazards.

I wonder if there are stats that show bicycle collisions/accidents and gives a break down of the types of injuries. Say head injuries vs. non-head injuries. Anyone know of any such stats? Also if there are any how about a step further with stats that show with the head injuries, were there fatalities or what were the extent of the injuries? Serious enough to require constant care or did the person make a full recovery?

Commando303

I think yours is the first "anxious" post in this thread... I do hope things can stay civilized, though; I see no reason for which they can't — this is something to discuss, as is anything else.

I come down on the libertarian side of things, myself, here. One can always make extrapolations of how "personal decision" can affect others in society; to a point, it's reasonable to do so (e.g., your right to drink alcohol, then get behind the wheel of a car, immediately jeopardizes the safety of others, so you forfeit the choice to have several drinks then go cruising), and, to another, it isn't (e.g., your wearing certain clothing might serve to incite a riot [a swastika on your t-shirt, I suppose], in which people can be injured, but your action doesn't pose an imminent and direct danger to anyone, so you have the right to dress your body as you wish).

I feel, as well — though no one's yet made the point — it is fallacious to claim helmets offer a heightened sense of security, which encourages people to bike more carelessly, which places them in situations in which they are at increased risk for suffering serious injury. By this logic, we should make circumstances as terrifying and bleak as possible — not so much so people no longer get on bicycles, but enough so they are in constant tears as they pedal.

Last, whenever it comes to children, I believe we end up having to debate outside the box of "personal freedom," which isn't what I hope to get into, here. Thus, in my poll question, I've specified people respond to their feelings concerning mandatory-helmet laws for adults. Of course, if, in the thread, people wish to discuss laws concerning juveniles, so be it, but, again, I think that's its own can of worms.

Commando303

How, then, does my "poll suck"? It asks whether or not you favor laws that require adults to wear helmets, and provides the options to say you you do or you don't, where, in the latter, you can specify whether you have sentiment against helmets. Would you have preferred just "Yes" and "No"? Sorry, but I think a poll should have enough flexibility not to feel limiting, but shouldn't have participants bewildered by myriad mildly-different options, either. You can elaborate on your thoughts in the thread.

cyclezealot

I voted no also.. But, I favor helmets.. Never ride without one should the ride be more than just about town... Never the less, glad my bike club has a mandatory helmet rule.. I really don't want to see my cycling buds suffer a brain concussion while I am on watch.

Machka 

I live in a country where helmets are mandatory. I'm fine with that.

Metzinger

I think government regulations can do a lot of good. I used to support helmet laws.
Now I live in a country where such a thing wouldn't be easily tolerated.
I'm now of the opinion that an enforced helmet law would begin to erode Dutch bike culture. This would be a bad thing.
So, no. Not here, anyways.

rogwilco

That's a stupid poll. I voted "No: I'm against the use of helmets." but I don't actually agree with that answer - I'm indifferent towards wearing or not wearing helmets.

Ajenkins

Yeah. Got the clue on that from your videos.

CommuterRun

No. Wearing a helmet should be a decision left up to the individual.

Mitchxout

Proven fact: People tend to be more careful when their safety net is taken away.

Metzinger

I proven facts.

cyclezealot

Actually I voted no. But, not sure I meant it.. I tend to respect the wishes of those who don't want to wear helmets.. But, deep down do I.?..
I once recall the comments of some police testifying about the needs for a motorcycle helmet law.. Their argument.. I am the one who has to pick up body parts on the road. And to have one's head intact makes clean up easier.. I can see his point. !.
While I have some Libertarian values, I'd be squeamish to ride with cycle friends on a regular basis if they consistently did not wear a helmet. It might be my job to move their broken body parts off of the road.. Besides, I think helmets are cool.

chipcom 

What a freaking rigged poll. A simple 'NO' choice would have been nice.