Advocacy & Safety - No Helmet Trend?

Maybe it is just me, but I have been noticing an increasing number of riders that are not wearing helmets. Seems to be concentrated among those that can afford expensive rides. Is this the new hot fad? I rode the Auburn Century last weekend and saw three riders with no helmets by the time I got to Colfax. (They were not participating in the ride). I'm wondering if any of them either 1. work, or have worked, in a trauma center; 2. volunteer in one, 3. just visited one lately to see the carnage, and/or 4. have health insurance to prevent you, and me, (insured) for paying for their uninsured ego. Head trauma from a severe bike accident is almost a given, yet somehow, the known outcome is either ignored or there is a "it won't happen to me" mentality. Granted, the helmets cyclists wear are not the greatest, but any kind of protection is better then looking up at your favorite Neurologist, Neurosurgeon and/or Orthopedic surgeon (if you can) when you are in the Operating Room.
Your thoughts?

4. have health insurance to prevent you, and me, (insured) for paying for their uninsured ego.

Why do people always assume that the uninsured don't pay for anything when they go to the hospital?

It's called freedom of choice. You should feel fortunate there is such a thing left at all.

They're free to be idiots. As much as it makes you and I cringe, nothing we can do about it.

It's obvious that these so called "cool people" are so frickin' stupid!!!
This is exactly like die hard Cigarette smokers.
They know it will kill them, but they don't give a crap. Total morons...
I'm so weary of thinking ...."Look at that dumb ass on the motorcycle wearing no helmet!!!"
If you don't want to wear a helmet when you ride a century ride, Ok, I can't make you wear one, but know in your heart that you're soon to be a vegetable with some bloody brain salad surgery.

Yeah, they have the right to make stupid choices. So let 'em.

Doesn't cost me a frickin' dime. If it DID, then I'd have something to say.......

They're free to be idiots. As much as it makes you and I cringe, nothing we can do about it.

In other words, if someone doesn't agree with your world view, they must be an idiot?

Why do people always assume that the...

To steal that opening line:

Why do people always assume that the helmet sticky thread does not apply to them?

-Kurt

To steal that opening line:

Why do people always assume that the helmet sticky thread does not apply to them?

-Kurt

because they don't want to be shown how ridiculous they are?

But to answer the question, what's with the no helmet trend? - I think some people have taken the time to educate themselves (perhaps through the sticky?) and made a choice after they found themselves better informed than others who may have made a choice without thinking it over too much.

But really, the sticky has to do with much of the attitude displayed here, in spite of the legitimate point of those who choose to go without, or remove a helmet

Sure wearing a helmet can save your life, but there are also other forms of blunt force trauma that can be as equally deadly; yet you don't see people riding bikes in full body armor. I also ski avidly in the winter and only wear a helmet when I deem it appropriate; the same goes for cycling. All environments aren't equally as dangerous (although admittedly, seriously accidents can happen any time); so I use the liberty that my state's laws provide for, enjoy my outing, and remain cautious/responsible at all times.

Society has a number of much more taxing problems when it comes to high risk activitites that results in a far higher percentage of fatalities/ER time per year than fitness/leisure activities like cycling and skiing. Just a friendly reminder that things aren't always black & white.

Digik, do you consider that you will get into an accident tomorrow, thus you will put on your seatbelt or wear your helmet? An accident takes less than a blink of an eye. As with seatbelts, and helmets...you never need them until you need them. I have spent too many days in ER's not to be an advocate for all the protection you can get, including what is between your ears. When do you wear a helmet while skiing? I am fully certified PSIA and have been for more than 40 years. I now wear a helmet, not to protect myself from my abilities to ski safely, but from some idiot that is skiing beyond his/her abilities, or on drugs, might run into me. I watched a close friend of mine go through into a crevasse while heli-skiing last year. He never saw it coming because it was covered over by a snow bridge. Yes, he is also certified and has a lot of miles under his skis. Had he not had a helmet on, he would not be here today.. So back to your point...when do you "only" wear a helmet?

It's obvious that these so called "cool people" are so frickin' stupid!!!
This is exactly like die hard Cigarette smokers.
They know it will kill them, but they don't give a crap. Total morons...
I'm so weary of thinking ...."Look at that dumb ass on the motorcycle wearing no helmet!!!"
If you don't want to wear a helmet when you ride a century ride, Ok, I can't make you wear one, but know in your heart that you're soon to be a vegetable with some bloody brain salad surgery.

Why do you people have to be told over and over again? The reason the no helmet trend tends to be among the well educated who ride expensive bikes is because those are the people who have actually studied the issue. Instead of some kneejerk moron like reaction, they have read the studies that show bicycling is relatively safe. They think it's silly to wear a helmet while cycling when they don't wear one while driving or walking across the street.

They also realize a bicycle helmet offers scant protection. I have never encountered a helmet advocate who offers anything but personal stories, usually second hand. No reference to actual data.

You might as well tell me your astrologist told you so, as tell me about your friend who whatever. Slog through the 'helmets cramp my style' thread and the others and read the studies before you sound off. If you are one of those who falls a lot and hits the top of your head, wear a helmet. Quit whining at those who are well coordinated and understand the science. They don't refrain from wearing a helmet because they think it is cool. They don't wear helmets for the same reason they don't wear them while bathing.

Vault, Your points are most certainly valid and have been well-considered on a personal basis, especially given your experience, which I certainly respect. Admittedly, the per mile risk of serious incident on a bicycle is higher than that of a motor vehicle, but the great majority of these accidents are in the presence of other vehicular activity, i.e.: your point about protecting yourself from the other idiots.

I think for those of us in the 'grey' crowd, it becomes possible to make some prudent conclusions about lower risk situations based on statistical evidence and observations about the conditions at hand: for cycling- an asphalt bike path, and for skiing- a familiar local resort on a light traffic weekday qualify for me as lower risk situations where will I forgo helmet use for the sake of purest enjoyment of the activity.

I don't wear a helmet because I know it's more likely to fall and hit my head in the shower than it is to need it on my bike.... where's the outcry for people to wear a helmet while showering? How about making it legally REQUIRED that everybody install non-skid in their bathtub? (Don't forget the annual inspections of your bathroom to ensure that you're complying with the law!)

Or how about walking? I believe the statistic is that you're twice as likely to get hit by a car WALKING than riding your bike... Where's the outcry for mandatory helmets while walking? What about those that fall off ladders??? Yup... mandatory helmet there, too.

Check how many more people die of head injuries when involved in car accidents (yes, even inside the car!) Where's the outcry for mandatory helmets while driving?

Fact of the matter is that the countries with the lowest fatality rates among cyclists also have the lowest percentage of helmet use. Imagine that!

In other words, if someone doesn't agree with your world view, they must be an idiot?

Yes.

I was in an accident this afternoon in fact. huge laceration across my chin. I left with 10 stitches. mouthful of broken teeth. I was wearing my helmet. And the fact that I fell in such a way that it wouldn't have mattered a whole lot if i wasn't wearing the helmet. I landed chin first and stayed flat on the ground. I'd still wear one if I could go back in time and do it over again.

I'm posting here because I went for a nice little ride this weekend, great weather here in Chicago, Lots of people out with the kids...and a handfull AT BEST had the helmets properly straped to their heads. I got a LOT of dirty looks from parents because I don't wear one, yet these so called "concerned " parents don't even think enough of their kids heads as to read the instructions on how to put a lid on. A lot of adults didn't even have the strap on right, lots of loose helmets. What good is a loose lid? If the kid falls off a bike, the parents sue the helmet maker and the kid ends up with SS checks because he now has a "learning disability" great parenting

Now I am going out to buy a helmet because I want to do some beginer group rides, and was "asked" to wear one, I did the first ride with out one. I will put a lid on to make other people around me feel comfortable, if everyone is concerned about me not wearing a lid, there is more chance for error & an accident.
And I want to add about the insurance thing...if something horrible long term really happens, lets say you end up a bedriden the rest of your life, private insurance has limits you won't be taken care of for life by them, you still won't be able to work, you will probably end up on government assistance anyway.
OK so if you wear a lid, wear it right, put it on your kid right & don't bug me because I don't wear one... OK my rants over

I rode the Auburn Century last weekend and saw three riders with no helmets by the time I got to Colfax. (They were not participating in the ride).
...
Your thoughts?
Even more alarming was that there were numerous people walking around in downtown Auburn (an activity with a greater risk of serious head injury than recreational cycling) and almost none of them were wearing protective head gear. There were also helmetless people seen climbing stairs and ladders - even riskier than regular pedestrians.

Guess the citizens of Auburn are just crazy risk takers - maybe it goes back to the Gold Rush days when their ancestors were the ones who took the risk of moving west.

I don't believe in helmet but I wear one - because I'm so ugly, my helmet makes me look somewhat handsome :) Thats what I believe and sticking to it. Just go with the flow.

First the fixed gear trend

Now the helmetless trend

Oh lawd, the cycling world is regressing

Helmets and seat belts should be a personal choice, not enforced my anyone. It only affects the one persons safety. Everyone should know the risks and do what they like on these two matters.

I for one have had seat belts save my life 2 times and a motorcycle helmet save a close friends life (at least his skull, which I'm told has some importance in ones life). So I always buckle the seat belt in any vehicle and strap the brain bucket when on 2 wheeled vehicles.

Drive/ride as if everyone is out to kill you, you'll be a great rider/driver. I should know. I ride my bike 10miles each way to work, get into a tractor trailer (10-18 wheeler) and deliver product to down town PDX and surrounding areas. Even though my feet are above a bike riders head when in the truck, I've got that belt on.

Do what you like, I'll see you all in hell. :)

My daughter's 16th birthday is coming up soon. For her birthday, I'm throwing away her helmet.

I was in an accident this afternoon in fact. huge laceration across my chin. I left with 10 stitches. mouthful of broken teeth. I was wearing my helmet. And the fact that I fell in such a way that it wouldn't have mattered a whole lot if i wasn't wearing the helmet. I landed chin first and stayed flat on the ground. I'd still wear one if I could go back in time and do it over again.
Full face helmets start at $45 (http://pricepoint.resultspage.com/search?p=Q&ts=custom&w=full+face+helmet&asug=&x=0&y=0)


consider that you will get into an accident tomorrow, thus you will put on your seatbelt or wear your helmet? An accident takes less than a blink of an eye. As with seatbelts, and helmets...you never need them until you need them.
Wearing seatbelts isn't really enough. 6-point harness, full face helmet, neck support collar and helmet straps are also suggested for high-risk driving.

When I'm low-risk bike riding, I wear no helmet. When I'm high-risk bike riding I wear one.

My daughter's 16th birthday is coming up soon. For her birthday, I'm throwing away her helmet.

Best antihelmet zealot parody ever.

My motto is, better some protection then no protection. Head injury is no joke.

I have spent too many days in ER's not to be an advocate for all the protection you can get, including what is between your ears.
So I gather you wear protective head wear when showering, and when using a sidewalk or crosswalk?

i don't get why you wouldn't wear a helmet? its so easy to do it. my own story of how a helmet did its job was that recently i was door'd in dc and landed right on my head. poor ol helmet has a crack, but my noggin is just fine

You fell on your chin. Not surprising. Much more likely to fall on your face than the top of your head.
I don't take seriously any bike helmet advocate who does not wear a full face helmet.

90% of the helmet zealots want to talk about some story instead of scientific evidence. Their anecdotes are meaningless, except to themselves and the choirs they preach to.

It's your head, it's your life. Please sign your organ donor card.

As long as your actions do not adversely impact me, I could care less what you do. It's the Golden Rule.
:thumb:


However, 'adversely impact' could include my taxes caring for your dependents, covering the medical expenses of uninsured injured, or causing safety nannies to attempt passage of 'cycling safety' regulations, such as mandatory helmet laws, ad nauseum. So take care.

i don't get why you wouldn't wear a helmet? its so easy to do it. my own story of how a helmet did its job was that recently i was door'd in dc and landed right on my head. poor ol helmet has a crack, but my noggin is just fine

wouldn't it have been easier - and safer - to just not ride in the door zone?

how old are you? I learned not to ride in the door zone when I was about 12 years old.

I bet that the pro-helmet whiners in this thread also preach their head off about how their religion is superior to whatever someone else believes in.

-Kurt

Maybe it is just me, but I have been noticing an increasing number of riders that are not wearing helmets... Is this the new hot fad? ...
Your thoughts?

Speaking from a province that instituted an all ages mandatory bicycle helmet law in 1996, I see this trend here as well.

The trend has caught on with all types of riders and there was an article in one of our major dailies by a cop saying he's been swayed by the arguments against the law.

I've written a column on how the law managed to pass (should be published tomorrow).

Maybe there will be a few more who will add to the trend, but who knows? Some people will wear them, some won't. I don't think forcing people to wear them will work (or has worked). Forcing them simply stops people from cycling.

It's good to see even the cops don't support the law (enforcement is -almost- non-existent)

I've written a column on how the law managed to pass (should be published tomorrow).
What publication will it be in?

The paper I've been writing cycling columns in since last spring, The Richmond-News

Head trauma from a severe bike accident is almost a given

That's probably because serious rider damage defines a severe accident, genius. If otoh you are saying that deadly head trauma is likely from a fast spill, no.



Granted, the helmets cyclists wear are not the greatest, but any kind of protection is better then looking up at your favorite Neurologist, Neurosurgeon and/or Orthopedic surgeon (if you can) when you are in the Operating Room.
Your thoughts?

Helmets make rotational damage worse by increasing impact torque. Most severe injuries are rotational - helmets are ok for ameliorating minor spills and resulting concussion, but if you think they help in a Big One you probably don't have much at risk anyway.

I suggest that you go to read www.cyclehelmets.org/1139.html and stop bothering people until you are at least a reasonably well informed troll.

i don't get why you wouldn't wear a helmet? its so easy to do it. my own story of how a helmet did its job was that recently i was door'd in dc and landed right on my head. poor ol helmet has a crack, but my noggin is just fine

If you actually RTFM you'd know that a crack probably meant your helmet failed. Which as often as not happens because the wearer was too lazy to RTFM and wear the helmet correctly - most people don't.



http://www.cyclehelmets.org/1019.html

But my helmet broke - isn't that proof?
A helmet is a fragile piece of equipment. On seeing a damaged one, it is easy to assume that a serious injury has been prevented. Cycle helmets split very readily, and often at forces much lower than those that would lead to serious head injury. Helmets work by absorbing impact energy through the crushing of an expanded polystyrene liner. Once compressed the liner stays compressed. It does not bounce back to its original form like reusable helmets for some other activities. If a helmet splits before the liner has partially or fully compressed - and this is often the case - then it has simply failed. It will not have provided the designed protection and may in fact have absorbed very little energy at all.

If a helmet splits after fully compressing, it will have reduced initial forces to the head, but thereafter it will afford no further protection and any residual energy will be transmitted to the brain. Cycle helmets fail catastrophically, not gradually, so it is a mistake to believe that they provide useful, if reduced, protection at higher velocities. In high impact crashes, such as most that involve motor vehicles or fixed vertical objects like concrete barriers and lamp posts, the forces are so great that a helmet will compress and break in around 1/1000th of a second. The absorption of the initial forces during this very short period of time is unlikely to make a significant difference to the likelihood of serious injury or death.

Helmets provide some protection when there is only partial compression of the liner and they may work better if in addition there is no split or breakage. This is most likely to be the case in crashes that result from low-speed falls without any third party involvement and where, without a helmet, injury would be relatively minor. If the liner suffered no compression, the helmet almost certainly played no role in preventing injury and without the helmet there would have been no injury of consequence anyway.

It's your head, it's your life. Please sign your organ donor card.

As long as your actions do not adversely impact me, I could care less what you do. It's the Golden Rule.
:thumb:


However, 'adversely impact' could include my taxes caring for your dependents, covering the medical expenses of uninsured injured, or causing safety nannies to attempt passage of 'cycling safety' regulations, such as mandatory helmet laws, ad nauseum. So take care.

I feel the same way about people who don't RTFM. Please be careful not to breed!

Some people don't wear helmets, others smoke and some overeat. People take risks of all types all the time. Not wearing a helmet just happens to be one of the more easy-to-spot areas of human health choice.

It makes logical sense that wearing a helmet makes you safer, but does anyone actually have any hard data? I'm not asking in a facitious way. Just curious.

Some people don't wear helmets, others smoke and some overeat. People take risks of all types all the time. Not wearing a helmet just happens to be one of the more easy-to-spot areas of human health choice.

It makes logical sense that wearing a helmet makes you safer, but does anyone actually have any hard data? I'm not asking in a facitious way. Just curious.


http://www.cyclehelmets.org/1139.html - and the rest of the site.

There is also a trend not to immunize.

I think both arguments go along the lines of:

"I read some study by some guy on the internet who seemed to have many letters after his name. It seemed legit, so I decided to throw common sense out the window."

There is also a trend not to immunize.

I think both arguments go along the lines of:

"I read some study by some guy on the internet who seemed to have many letters after his name. It seemed legit, so I decided to throw common sense out the window."

No; there is plenty of scientific evidence that immunization works. There is plenty of scientific evidence that helmets do not reduce head injuries among cyclists. Such as:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/95/Adult_cyclist_head_injuries_versus_helmet_use_in_New_Zealand.svg/450px-Adult_cyclist_head_injuries_versus_helmet_use_in_New_Zealand.svg.png

To me, the fact that fewer people are wearing helmets (which I have observed in my area, as well) is a welcome sign that people are recognizing that bike riding is just not that dangerous.

No; there is plenty of scientific evidence that immunization works. There is plenty of scientific evidence that helmets do not reduce head injuries among cyclists. Such as:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/95/Adult_cyclist_head_injuries_versus_helmet_use_in_New_Zealand.svg/450px-Adult_cyclist_head_injuries_versus_helmet_use_in_New_Zealand.svg.png

To me, the fact that fewer people are wearing helmets (which I have observed in my area, as well) is a welcome sign that people are recognizing that bike riding is just not that dangerous.

Interesting chart. First off, applying results from one sample (New zealand) to the united states is spurious. However, I will grant you the cross-population example.

What I see in your chart is a continuing downward trend through increased helmet use. At the critical mass point of 42% use occurring in 1993 it does appear that there is diminishing returns to wearing helmets. However, and this is very important, there is a continuing downward trend.

Though it does not have the same inverse-slope coefficient, it does appear significant.

However, you could throw out this significance if you determined it was collinear with other factors, such as driver/biker education, government enforcement, etc.

You simply can't have it both ways, either your graph shows decreased injury with higher usage, albeit with diminishing returns, or it shows that the chart is invalid due to an unknown collinearity.

No; there is plenty of scientific evidence that immunization works.


Oh, and in the "Immunizations are going to cause autism" idiot camps, they have plenty of charts like yours concerning rate of immunization and incidence of autism.

http://www.cyclehelmets.org/1139.html - and the rest of the site.

Good site, thanks meanwhile

...... Most severe injuries are rotational -......


Just ask that chick in the Exorcist! And she wasn't even wearing a helmet!

roughstuff

I don't wear a helmet because I'm too cheap to buy one, and more importantly because it might affect my street cred if someone I know sees me wearing one.

There is also a trend not to immunize.

I think both arguments go along the lines of:

"I read some study by some guy on the internet who seemed to have many letters after his name. It seemed legit, so I decided to throw common sense out the window."

What you think doesn't matter - a trend that is common to most of your life, I suspect. If you'd bothered clicking on the links instead of pontificating, you'd have found the sources I quoted included the manager of Europe's lading helmet testing lab.

Why people are silly and lazy enough to spout this way without checking facts I have no idea - slow readers, maybe.

Just ask that chick in the Exorcist! And she wasn't even wearing a helmet!

roughstuff

Ahh - she used a stunt chick. Not a problem.

Maybe it is just me, but I have been noticing an increasing number of riders that are not wearing helmets. Seems to be concentrated among those that can afford expensive rides. Is this the new hot fad?. . . I'm wondering if any of them either 1. work, or have worked, in a trauma center; 2. volunteer in one, 3. just visited one lately to see the carnage, and/or 4. have health insurance to prevent you, and me, (insured) for paying for their uninsured ego. . .

Ever noticed how many Respiratory Therapists smoke cigarrettes? Most of them. You would think that people who deal with respiratory diseases all day every day would avoid one of the major casues of those diseases. But they don't. Go figger.

I'm so sick of the non helmet people trying to convince everyone why they shouldn't have to wear a helmet. Some things in life are a given. Don't stick a fork into a electrical outlet. If you smoke you will end or shorten your life span. If you ride a bike without a helmet, you can suffer a major concussion, brain aneurysm, or death when you get into an accident. The question isn't if, but when...We don't know the future... The Shuttle astronauts thought everything was A-OK before they blew up...Don't give me that "wear a helmet in the shower crap" , This is not the Shower forum, this is the Bike forum. And please.. I don't buy that horse dung about "I'm too great a rider to ever crash! Bull!
Anybody can crash at any time!!! My friend Jim, on this forum was killed by some stupid teenager who was texting on his cell phone while driving a big ass truck. Jim had on his helmet and he still died. The helmet is no guarantee that it will save your life. But by not not wearing the helmet, your odds are higher then ever that you will die or become a vegetable. I'm not God, we can't predict the future, the helmet is insurance. All non-helmet people please cancel your car insurance, you'll never get into an accident, your driving skills are so advanced. Also please stop complaining about other people who bug you to wear a helmet, when you go for group rides. They only want you to be safe. It's funny you don't want to be told to be safe. You want the right to do whatever you want. Ride without a helmet, stick a fork into a light socket, drink a glass of gasoline, take a nap on the railroad tracks, kiss a rattle snake. Have fun! Do your own thing!!Be free!

I'm so sick of the non helmet people trying to convince everyone why they shouldn't have to wear a helmet. Some things in life are a given.Don't stick a fork into a electrical outlet.If you smoke you will end or shorten your life span. If you ride a bike without a helmet, you can suffer a major concussion, brain aneurysm, or death when you get into an accident. The question isn't if but when...We don't know the future... The Shuttle astronauts thought everything was A-OK before they blew up...Don't give me that wear a helmet crap about the shower, This is not the Shower forum, this is the Bike forum. And please.. I don't buy that horse dung about "I'm too great a rider to ever crash! Bull!
Anybody can crash at any time!!! My friend Jim, on this forum was killed by some stupid teenager who was texting on his cell phone while driving a big ass truck. Jim had on his helmet and he still died. The helmet is no guarantee that it will save your life. But by not not wearing the helmet your odds are higher then ever that you will die or become a vegetable. I'm not God, we can't predict the future, the helmet is insurance. All non-helmet people please cancel your car insurance, you'll never get into an accident, your driving skills are so advanced. Also please stop complaining about other people who bug you to wear a helmet, when you go for group rides. They only want you to be safe. It's funny you don't want to be told to be safe. You want the right to do whatever you want. Ride without a helmet, stick a fork into a light socket, drink a glass of Gasoline, take a nap on the railroad tracks, kiss a rattle snake. Have fun! Do your own thing!!

God I love A&S. :roflmao2:

UD