My memory may not be reliable either, but it was definitely some time around then. IIRC the USCF helmet rule came about in '85 or '86 and there was a lot of resistance. I knew people who quit racing entirely over it. At any rate, I certainly recall being the only helmeted rider on some of those club rides, and taking a lot of abuse for it. The more things change...

Had a guy I work with quit when they went to random drug testing. As I remember, he was anti helmet too. I guess you can do that when you receive an annuity. Didn't help his family life...

I wore one for practically every ride from 1986-ish through 1998-ish.

They weren't always hard-shell, though, as there was some lycra shower cap over styrofoam tomfoolery in there early on :)

I think road racers should have to conform to UCI's BMX rules and that BMX rules should be expanded to require the recommended protection items also :)

6.1.055 Helmets must be of full face construction equipped with a visor of minimum 10 centimeters. Helmet
strap must be securely fastened during the completion of the race. Open face helmets are not allowed.

The UCI strongly recommends that riders wear the following protection:
- back, elbow, knee and shoulder protectors made of rigid materials
- protection of the cervical vertebrae.

"Learning to ride safely", and being a great bike handler DOES NOT overcome the fact that s*** happens. Wear a helmet, it may help prevent injury. ANY injury prevented is a good thing.

So, you're going with elbow pads, knee pads, full-face helmet, leathers, etc???

This thread IS a toxic environment, isn't it?
It was mentioned a few pages ago and that is the most apt description for it. The point/counter-points and snide remarks ON BOTH SIDES remain unchanged, for the most part.

It's like an wound that can't heal. Eventually, you ARE going to pick that scab and see what comes out.

Yes, stuff happens. People are injured and die every day, but an amazingly small percentage of these are cyclists. While any reduction in injuries is a good thing, it's not the only thing. Rational people balance risk against other considerations and act accordingly.

I'm sure that even you don't do every possible thing to reduce injury. So while you've decided that a helmet makes sense (on balance) you need to accept that other intelligent, rational people can feel they don't.

The ANY injury prevented is a good thing argument simply doesn't make sense in the real world.

FB

So we can put you down on the side of some injuries are not a bad thing and should be expected?

As I have stated before, why not wear a helmet? Once you have put it on, it is totally forgotten.

I don't ask you to justify why you choose to wear a helmet, or any decision you make. Please return the courtesy and keep your smug sanctimonious concerns about my decisions to yourself. You'd think that after 50 years riding bicycles, and 45 years in the bicycles in the bicycle industry I'd be knowledgeable enough about helmets to decide for myself without your help.

I have no problem with helmets or people who wear the. But all to many helmet wearers like you are like new religious converts, or reformed smokers and drinkers and having found the light feel obligated to proselytize the unenlightened ad nauseam.

I have been riding bikes for approx 68 years I know a few things about them, and riding them. IMO common sense and logic seems to indicate that wearing a helmet is the smart thing to do. It would seem to trump the argument that "helments cramp my style".

And there is no allowable differing opinion than rydabents.

Exactly. In your opinion. Allow others to have and express theirs which differ from yours.

I have a character flaw.

I have *very little* patience for those who say they are not per-se against helmet use, yet compare bicycle helmet use to automobile helmet use. (The equivalent PPE equipment for an automobile is seat belts, btw.)

I have *ZERO* patience for people who say they are not per-se against helmet use, yet compare bicycle helmet use to shower helmet use. (The equivalent PPE equipment for a shower are anti-slip mats and grab bars.)

I have less than *ZERO* patience for people who say they are not per-se against helmet use, yet compare bicycle helmet use to requiring helmets for stairways. (The equivalent PPE for some stairway users are railings on each side of the stairway.)

I'm deeply flawed.

-mr. bill

I am deeply flawed too...

Sorry that some of the arguments raised try your patience. I suspect that may actually be the goal.

However as stained as those arguments may seem, they are no worse than the posts by helmet proselytizers who simply cannot fathom that some people can reasonably draw the conclusion that helmet use isn't justified for their needs.

If helmet advocates insist that it's not about drawing some sort of a line, and helmets are ALWAYS necessary, than they invite these (IMO) stupid comparisons.

You do realize that some of us are working or are to be working in areas in which appearance is key.
My friend got chewed out by an arbitrator because he wore a pink tie. I don't think helmet stripes would have improved his situation. Just an example but you cannot underestimate the pettiness of people or the effect it might have on your success

That's really the reason for this thread. A place to put any and all discussion about the topic to keep it from infecting the rest of the forums. Same with VC. That said, it can still serve a purpose as a place to come and vent about it. Not like anyone else is interested in talking about the finer points of bicycle helmets. And every now and then, someone actually does see some new evidence and maybe, maybe might change their mind. Doesn't happen often, but it happens.





You said it, not me.

Why not wear a crash vest? Many fatal injuries are due to abdominal injuries. Especially on your 'bent, you should hardly notice it once you put it on. You should really consider it... injuries are a bad thing, and riding safely is very important.

sudo

Actually on a bent that apparently you show distain for, I am probably far more safe than on a DF bike. I dont have very far to fall, and I arrive feet first at the accident. On my LWB bent I cant be thrown over the handle bars. Further on my trike I am even safer. It seems to me that if anyone should be agruing against helmets, it should be bent riders. If I need a "crash vest" while riding my bents, it would seem that would go triple for DF riders.

sudo

Gee-----------------maybe you could start a "crash vest" thread that would become as wordy as this helmet thread!!!! :)

My wife and I just spent the weekend entertaining 5 of the grandkids.... and I think I learned a couple things that might resolve this whole issue.

Kids and young adults alike LOVE video games. And whereas the wii version of cycling leaves much to be desired... a more graphic (xbox) version with a 3D TV or theater/screen projection could easily upgrade antiquated sports safety. Not only would video-cycling be much safer than the old fashion outdoor version.... the waste of chain oil and wearing out of tires would be eliminated. This could save the Earth... while saving the children!

If the government would only inject the much needed "investment" in the proper game programs... then follow up with extremely restrictive cycling laws (at first). Later cycling could be made completely unlawful..... and completely replaced with safer video cycling sports.

Of course.... that shouldn't replace the helmets in use today!!!! Those things can be used even when kids are just sleeping. You never know when a child could roll out of bed.

https://www.osha.gov/Publications/vi...eoDisplay.html

Anybody who plays video games without appropriate protective devices is a brain-dead moron who deserves to die a painful death, thus cleansing the gene pool. (To borrow a line from the helmet guys...)

LOL Yep.... we can't be TOO safe... can we.

Ok... here's my story... take from it what you will.

I was one of those people who USUALLY wears a helmet, unless I was going out for a leisurely cruise on the MUP. A couple months ago, I had a rough day at work, and decided that I'd go out for one of those cruises to "blow off some steam". Mistake #1 : I didn't wear a helmet. Mistake #2 : I didn't "fuel up" before the ride. About an hour into the ride, I bonked hard. I remember thinking: "I'm getting dizzy, I'd better sit down." After that, it was all black. A witness said that I ran headfirst into a brick wall, and then hit the pavement hard. I had a pretty bad concussion and severe headaches for over 2 weeks. The scariest part is the memory loss. When I went back to work, I saw a friend and coworker that I have known for nearly 10 years. I had no idea what her name was. There have been a few other memories gone as well... mostly other names.

Anyway... I'm now a "helmet always" supporter.