"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - Helmets Mandatory 5/1

It's about time, IMHO.



Helmets to be compulsory from May 1

Francesco Moser, president of the Professional Riders’ Association (ACP), has announced that all members of the association will have to wear a helmet in major cycling events from May 1.

In a statement released by the ACP on the same day as Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Moser recognised that there were still issues of comfort to be addressed but said that wearing a helmet was the only way to prevent deaths similar to that suffered by Andrei Kivilev in Paris-Nice last month.

I think its good... since before, the ones who felt the need to be safe may have been at a slight disadvantage to the others (weight/uncomfortability/heat/drag/whatever), in my mind. I would say that it should be the rider's choice to wear one if it wasn't for the competitive value.

This maybe a bad comparison, but... in auto racing... they mandated the use of a head/neck restraint in most organizations. I would say that drivers should be free to choose to use one or not, but the ones who would choose to use one would be at a performance disadvantage since their freedom of viewing area would be restricted.

if you ask me, safety gear should always be regulated... so yes it is about time they did this. :)

but the ones who would choose to use one would be at a performance disadvantage since their freedom of viewing area would be restricted

I don't think the HANS device would reduce a drivers viewing area, it is already restricted enough by the helmet. The drivers never turn their heads more than a few degrees while driving, that's why they have mirrors. Also drivers don't get the freedom to pick and choose the rules they want to follow, in most forms of motor sport it is usually "my way or the highway", abide or pick another profession.

CHEERS.

Mark

Probably the wrong forum for this anyhow.

Originally posted by Dutchy
I don't think the HANS device would reduce a drivers viewing area, it is already restricted enough by the helmet. The drivers never turn their heads more than a few degrees while driving, that's why they have mirrors.

CHEERS.

Mark

Probably the wrong forum for this anyhow.

I take it you have never used one before. They are extremely restrictive compared to not having one. You have to get used to it before it is second nature to not turn your head. You are correct, you do not need to move your head more than a couple degrees, but it is unnatural to not turn your head a bit to look at your mirror (assuming you are allowed to have them).

Cycling helmets I do not think restrict performance very much. Unless you could compare a helmet without a helmet in a wind tunnel during a solo breakaway. You are a bit cooler (temp wise) when not wearing one at climbing speeds, but most people seem to remove them during long hot climbs.

How many protests will there be at the Giro?

Originally posted by Dutchy
The drivers never turn their heads more than a few degrees while driving, that's why they have mirrors.

Mirrors don't show everything. You do remember about checking blind spots from drivers ed., right? Think about restrictor plate racing in Nascar, for example. Drivers would like to see side to side.


Originally posted by Styk33
You are a bit cooler (temp wise) when not wearing one at climbing speeds, but most people seem to remove them during long hot climbs.


Well aren't the people who wanna take the time to put a helmet back on for the decent at a disadvantage?

Probably true about descending Brent_dude.

I always wear a helmet, so never put to much thought into it.