View Poll Results: Helmet wearing habits?
I've never worn a bike helmet
178
10.66%
I used to wear a helmet, but have stopped
94
5.63%
I've always worn a helmet
648
38.80%
I didn't wear a helmet, but now do
408
24.43%
I sometimes wear a helmet depending on the conditions
342
20.48%
Voters: 1670. You may not vote on this poll
The helmet thread
#7326
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,401
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times
in
13 Posts
Are you concerned that people will actually think you wrote that? Do you honestly believe your fellow posters are so stupid they won't be able to figure it out?
I really am starting to think that that is the problem here: your belief that you alone have any understanding or knowledge about anything. I don't know how else to explain your pages and pages of pedantry.
I really am starting to think that that is the problem here: your belief that you alone have any understanding or knowledge about anything. I don't know how else to explain your pages and pages of pedantry.
#7327
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Bay Area, Calif.
Posts: 7,239
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
My personal observations of the local MHL for children leaves me skeptical of their effects. The first observation was that the number of children seen bicycling to school and the number of bikes in the racks there dropped substantially when the law went into effect. The second observation was of the kids that I still did see riding to school (my bike commute to work went right by an elem. school, a middle school, and a high school). Almost all had helmets, but only a few percent of those helmets were on their heads. Over 90% of them were dangling from their handlebars in a way which certainly didn't appear to add to safety. Apparently the MHL was enforced at the school (and maybe at home), but once they were out of sight of the school the helmet came off.
How did the study of MHL effectiveness correct for the possibility that the laws discourage many kids from bicycling and that the remaining kids who still rode may well have differed from those who quit in various ways that might affect their accident and injury rate?
#7328
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SF Bay Area, East bay
Posts: 7,658
Bikes: Miyata 618 GT, Marinoni, Kestral 200 2002 Trek 5200, KHS Flite, Koga Miyata, Schwinn Spitfire 5, Mondia Special, Univega Alpina, Miyata team Ti, Santa Cruz Highball
Mentioned: 53 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1609 Post(s)
Liked 2,590 Times
in
1,224 Posts
If I'd just come in this thread I'd assume you two were anti each other... I'm always impressed that you two still can ride down the street together.
#7329
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Ventura, CA
Posts: 8
Bikes: Catrike Expedition
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
So here's what I think. I've worn helmets for the last 40 years. I've never needed one. I've worn seat belts since they started putting them in cars in the late 60s. I've never needed them either. I feel I have better things to try my luck at than whether or not I'll go down and need a helmet or seat belt and not have it.
#7330
Cycle Dallas
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Land of Gar, TX
Posts: 3,777
Bikes: Dulcinea--2017 Kona Rove & a few others
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 197 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
5 Posts
I disagree. If this thread were about MHLs, the thread title would probably be something like "The Mandatory Helmet Law thread." However, since the number of posters in BF who support MHLs is laughably miniscule, the thread would be very short. There would be no debate.
Perhaps if MHLs were an option in the poll at the top of each page in this thread, it would be more appropriate to imply that MHLs are "on topic" for this thread.
Thank you for clarifying that point.
#7331
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Beaverton, Oregon
Posts: 1,914
Bikes: Rans Stratus, Trek 1420, Rivendell Rambouillet
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
MHL talk = helmet talk ?
I disagree. If this thread were about MHLs, the thread title would probably be something like "The Mandatory Helmet Law thread." However, since the number of posters in BF who support MHLs is laughably miniscule, the thread would be very short. There would be no debate.
Perhaps if MHLs were an option in the poll at the top of each page in this thread, it would be more appropriate to imply that MHLs are "on topic" for this thread.
Thank you for clarifying that point.
I disagree. If this thread were about MHLs, the thread title would probably be something like "The Mandatory Helmet Law thread." However, since the number of posters in BF who support MHLs is laughably miniscule, the thread would be very short. There would be no debate.
Perhaps if MHLs were an option in the poll at the top of each page in this thread, it would be more appropriate to imply that MHLs are "on topic" for this thread.
Thank you for clarifying that point.
Mandatory Helmet Laws
Although there is no federal law in the United States requiring helmet use for bicyclists, starting in 1987, states and local jurisdictions began passing their own laws requiring helmet use. Twen- ty-one states report having a mandatory youth helmet policy. Typically these policies apply to youth under age 16. Mandatory helmet laws are controver- sial among bicycling proponents. For more information on these laws and the controversy around them, see Appendix 5, page 215.
2012 Bicycling and Walking Benchmarking Report
Although there is no federal law in the United States requiring helmet use for bicyclists, starting in 1987, states and local jurisdictions began passing their own laws requiring helmet use. Twen- ty-one states report having a mandatory youth helmet policy. Typically these policies apply to youth under age 16. Mandatory helmet laws are controver- sial among bicycling proponents. For more information on these laws and the controversy around them, see Appendix 5, page 215.
2012 Bicycling and Walking Benchmarking Report
Last edited by John C. Ratliff; 03-30-14 at 07:52 PM.
#7332
Banned
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lincoln Ne
Posts: 9,924
Bikes: RANS Stratus TerraTrike Tour II
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3352 Post(s)
Liked 1,056 Times
in
635 Posts
Again we see when a person posts the fact that a helmet would have saved him from some injury the usual suspects from the anti helmet crowd pile on. They still seem to think that studies and reports are more important than real world happenings. There is reality and then there made up fairy tales.
BTW to keep things straight, I am totally against MHLs and have never yelled at someone riding without a helmet.
BTW to keep things straight, I am totally against MHLs and have never yelled at someone riding without a helmet.
#7333
Friendship is Magic
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 22,984
Bikes: old ones
Mentioned: 304 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 26415 Post(s)
Liked 10,380 Times
in
7,208 Posts
Actually, the MHL "debate" is occurring mainly in Bike Forums, and not at the legislature, at least in Oregon and a number of other states. That debate for MHLs for kids is completed. Any debate on this will need to be taken to the individual legislatures, as the laws are now on the books in 21 states.
John
John
of all the USofA states that had helment laws and stuff like that to make it multimedia oriented.
It did no good. It will never do any good. While it is true that even paranoids have enemies,
the level of paranoia that shows up regularly in the helment thread is beyond the pale, given the reality in our country.
What any mention of this fact immediately triggers is a cry of "Australia !!!!"..............in 3....2.....1.
__________________
#7334
cowboy, steel horse, etc
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: The hot spot.
Posts: 44,836
Bikes: everywhere
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12768 Post(s)
Liked 7,683 Times
in
4,078 Posts
Actually, the MHL "debate" is occurring mainly in Bike Forums, and not at the legislature, at least in Oregon and a number of other states. That debate for MHLs for kids is completed. Any debate on this will need to be taken to the individual legislatures, as the laws are now on the books in 21 states.
John
John
Right across the river from Portland, Orygun we have All Ages Helmet law. I wrote a thank-you email to the lone dissenter on the Vancouver City Council. They got it to pass by earmarking $5000 for free helmets for kids. I bet they blew the $5K after a year or two yet still the cops hassle freedom-loving cyclists on a daily basis. It's sad, really.
All Ages MHLs are really popular in Washington State. There are a good many cities and counties with them in place but one jurisdiction has rescinded a MHL. There's always hope!
Last edited by LesterOfPuppets; 03-31-14 at 03:31 PM.
#7335
Banned
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lincoln Ne
Posts: 9,924
Bikes: RANS Stratus TerraTrike Tour II
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3352 Post(s)
Liked 1,056 Times
in
635 Posts
Those two state seem to be full of people that are for the nanny state. I say again MHLs are dumb and pretty much uninforceable. If the police in those states are harrassing cyclist, they are doing themselves no favors for respect for the law. Arresting little Susie for not wearing a helmet and hauling her off to jail in handcuffs aint purddy!!! But then since she is a scofflaw, she may grow up to be and ax murderer!!!!!
#7336
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Land of Lincoln
Posts: 18
Bikes: '13 Fuji Absolute 2.1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I rode when I was young but I'm now 50. I need a seat & helmet recommendation.
If I ride more than 5 miles, my nuts get numb. I hear seats these days accomodate men's genitals. I understand I have to wear bicycle shorts. Anyone have a seat they like?
Regarding helmets, I need a helmet that will either prevent sweat from getting into my eyes or keep clear of my forehead so the wind will allow my sweat to dry before the sweat gets into my eyes.
Seat & helmet recommendations need to have a make & model so I can do a search or have a link provided.
Thanks.
If I ride more than 5 miles, my nuts get numb. I hear seats these days accomodate men's genitals. I understand I have to wear bicycle shorts. Anyone have a seat they like?
Regarding helmets, I need a helmet that will either prevent sweat from getting into my eyes or keep clear of my forehead so the wind will allow my sweat to dry before the sweat gets into my eyes.
Seat & helmet recommendations need to have a make & model so I can do a search or have a link provided.
Thanks.
#7338
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Land of Lincoln
Posts: 18
Bikes: '13 Fuji Absolute 2.1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#7339
Cycle Dallas
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Land of Gar, TX
Posts: 3,777
Bikes: Dulcinea--2017 Kona Rove & a few others
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 197 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 10 Times
in
5 Posts
I love my Brooks B-17 Imperial. The Imperial line of Brooks Saddles have a cut out that causes the sides to flare out, causing the part under your junk to dip down to relieve pressure there.
That being said, you might look at how you are fit for your bike. Bike fit and posture can make a huge difference regarding crotch issues. If you will rock back on your pelvis so that your sit bones are taking your weight, you can relieve a lot of 'taint pressure.
As for sweat in your eyes, look into a Gutr band. It's basically a headband that redirects sweat around your face. I haven't tried one, but it sounds interesting.
That being said, you might look at how you are fit for your bike. Bike fit and posture can make a huge difference regarding crotch issues. If you will rock back on your pelvis so that your sit bones are taking your weight, you can relieve a lot of 'taint pressure.
As for sweat in your eyes, look into a Gutr band. It's basically a headband that redirects sweat around your face. I haven't tried one, but it sounds interesting.
#7340
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Land of Lincoln
Posts: 18
Bikes: '13 Fuji Absolute 2.1
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#7341
cowboy, steel horse, etc
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: The hot spot.
Posts: 44,836
Bikes: everywhere
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12768 Post(s)
Liked 7,683 Times
in
4,078 Posts
For saddles I like Charge Spoon. $28 at universal. Light and comfy.
I think saddle comfort comes more from bicycle fit and personal fitness than a saddle make/model.
Last edited by LesterOfPuppets; 04-02-14 at 05:24 PM.
#7342
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,401
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 13 Times
in
13 Posts
I rode when I was young but I'm now 50. I need a seat & helmet recommendation.
If I ride more than 5 miles, my nuts get numb. I hear seats these days accomodate men's genitals. I understand I have to wear bicycle shorts. Anyone have a seat they like?
Regarding helmets, I need a helmet that will either prevent sweat from getting into my eyes or keep clear of my forehead so the wind will allow my sweat to dry before the sweat gets into my eyes.
Seat & helmet recommendations need to have a make & model so I can do a search or have a link provided.
Thanks.
If I ride more than 5 miles, my nuts get numb. I hear seats these days accomodate men's genitals. I understand I have to wear bicycle shorts. Anyone have a seat they like?
Regarding helmets, I need a helmet that will either prevent sweat from getting into my eyes or keep clear of my forehead so the wind will allow my sweat to dry before the sweat gets into my eyes.
Seat & helmet recommendations need to have a make & model so I can do a search or have a link provided.
Thanks.
WRT the helmet/sweat issue, I second the suggestion of the sweat gutter, or however they're spelling it. I personally just wear a cycling cap, and buy my helmets a size larger to make room.
#7343
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Beaverton, Oregon
Posts: 1,914
Bikes: Rans Stratus, Trek 1420, Rivendell Rambouillet
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Saddles are too personal for internet recommendations to be worth anything. IMO, your best bet is to find a shop or online retailer with a liberal return policy regarding saddles and then just try as many as it takes.
WRT the helmet/sweat issue, I second the suggestion of the sweat gutter, or however they're spelling it. I personally just wear a cycling cap, and buy my helmets a size larger to make room.
WRT the helmet/sweat issue, I second the suggestion of the sweat gutter, or however they're spelling it. I personally just wear a cycling cap, and buy my helmets a size larger to make room.
I also have a recumbant bicycle, and really enjoy it. The short wheelbase recumbants can be as fast or faster than upright bicycles (they are banned from bicycle races by UCI, who did it in 1934). Because of their improved aerodynamics, recumbant bicycles are (or at least can be) faster than upright bicycles and have improved comfort (the seat is wonderful on some, and minimalist on others depending upon the rider's reason for riding). Many recumbant shops will let you take one for a ride if you want.
Concerning helmets, I use the same as Six jours--a cycling hat or a cap under the helmet. I've found a running cap without the button on top which has a bit better brim than my cycling hat, so I use both.
John
#7344
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Portland OR
Posts: 7,639
Bikes: 61 Bianchi Specialissima 71 Peugeot G50 7? P'geot PX10 74 Raleigh GranSport 75 P'geot UO8 78? Raleigh Team Pro 82 P'geot PSV 86 P'geot PX 91 Bridgestone MB0 92 B'stone XO1 97 Rans VRex 92 Cannondale R1000 94 B'stone MB5 97 Vitus 997
Mentioned: 146 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 392 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 49 Times
in
31 Posts
Mandatory Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Interesting charts on the effect of repealing mandatory helmet laws. Motorcycle helmets .
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2...laws.html?_r=0
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2...laws.html?_r=0
#7345
Cycle Year Round
How nice, a back door helmet thread.
Especially one trying to equate motorcycle helmets with bicycle helmets / apples v oranges.
Especially one trying to equate motorcycle helmets with bicycle helmets / apples v oranges.
__________________
Land of the Free, Because of the Brave.
Land of the Free, Because of the Brave.
#7346
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NE Indiana
Posts: 8,687
Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1126 Post(s)
Liked 253 Times
in
204 Posts
John C Ratliff; the comment you made about a Brooks B17 taking a year to break in is only true if you only ride less than 800 miles a year. The average break in time for one of those saddles is between 500 to 800 miles, on rare occasion I have heard of 300 miles but I think those people over used the Proofide which will shorten the life of the saddle. When I broke mine in I used no Proofide and it took about 800 miles, After it broke in I started to use the Proofide about once every 6 months. Brooks saddles by the way should never be treated with oil or water for breaking in, it will ruin the saddle in short order especially the heavier the rider is.
#7347
Banned
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lincoln Ne
Posts: 9,924
Bikes: RANS Stratus TerraTrike Tour II
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3352 Post(s)
Liked 1,056 Times
in
635 Posts
As I have posted many times riding a bent or a trike eliminates pain in the never never regions. Riding a bent is also safer since you are closer to the ground, and on a LWB bent you cant be thrown over the handlebars and you can brake harder. Even then you should wear a helmet.
With riding bents with a helmet, mirrors, flags, and riding safely, cycling is indeed very safe.
With riding bents with a helmet, mirrors, flags, and riding safely, cycling is indeed very safe.
#7348
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 885
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 150 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
and ofcourse banning those substances didnt in any way prevent them from being used by the same kids
#7349
Senior Member
Interesting charts on the effect of repealing mandatory helmet laws. Motorcycle helmets .
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2...laws.html?_r=0
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2...laws.html?_r=0
Usually, motorcyclists figure out helmets are great, especially full-face ones, during the first rainstorm they ride through at speed...
#7350
Arizona Dessert
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: AZ
Posts: 15,030
Bikes: Cannondale SuperSix, Lemond Poprad. Retired: Jamis Sputnik, Centurion LeMans Fixed, Diamond Back ascent ex
Mentioned: 76 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5345 Post(s)
Liked 2,169 Times
in
1,288 Posts
John C Ratliff; the comment you made about a Brooks B17 taking a year to break in is only true if you only ride less than 800 miles a year. The average break in time for one of those saddles is between 500 to 800 miles, on rare occasion I have heard of 300 miles but I think those people over used the Proofide which will shorten the life of the saddle. When I broke mine in I used no Proofide and it took about 800 miles, After it broke in I started to use the Proofide about once every 6 months. Brooks saddles by the way should never be treated with oil or water for breaking in, it will ruin the saddle in short order especially the heavier the rider is.
I also wear a helmet whenever I cycle. I don't expect it to help for any major impacts, but it may prevent some scalp road rash. Keeps the sun off which is also a great side benefit.