Touring - Why you need to wear a helmet -- NOW!

My helmet probably saved my life...read on (I wrote this about 2 months ago)


A weary hello....
On Aug 22nd I was badly hurt in a bicycle accident. I had a week off from freelancing so, I had decided to make a spontaneous and short bike tour from Pleasantville, NY, ride noth to Lake George, NY (upstate), then over to Cape Cod.

I was only 25 minutes (less than 5 miles) into my ride, when disaster struck...NO not a car... I believe a bungee strapping my spare sandals came loose, caught in my front wheel, pulled my sandal(s) in to the wheel, and my fork literally snapped in half on both fork shafts. At the same time, my font wheel totalled locked up, inertia forcing me over the handelbar, thus doing a very nasty face plant into the road.

I remember hearing my cheap RockShox fork crack.....and then sitting up seconds after the crash, pulling out my bleeding tooth, then dragging my bike to the shoulder. I never lost consciousness (helmet just paid for itself) . I suspect it was NOT freakin pretty. Cars stopped immed and Chappaqua police and ambulance were there in minutes. I barely remember the ambulance ride and don't even remember the fall at all. It happened in a half a second (or less)!!!

My helmet absorbed the impact to my forehead (thank you Bell Helmets!). I don't know if my Uvex sunglasses helped?!. My shoes were probably still locked in the pedals when I hit (although the unlocked just after) Unfortnately, most of the damage was to my face, except for some road rash on shoulder and brusing/knot in my upper back and neck.

I factured my jaw and face in 3-4 places, bloodied and blacked my right eye, gashed up my chin and face real good. and I lost a bottom tooth. Had face surgery 2 days later.... and now I'm more like The Terminator than Arnold.... my jaw is wired shut, and have titanium plates under my face....(although , you can't see them) Apparently the fracture to my right obital eye bone has caused some optical nerve damage. My right eye still "sees" OK, but with some blurriness, and colors mix together. This is MOST fustrating to me.... apparently my "normal" vision may come back in time, stay blurry, or possible get worse. It will be a waiting game over the next 6 months.

The ER, Docs, & RNs could not believer all the trauma I had came from a bicycle accident!!! Ugh!Spent 4.5 days in Westchester Medical Ctr (I though I hated hosptals before!)..... Adding the icing on the cake: because i'm a freelancer... I have NO medical insurance! And since nobody hit me, their will be no lawsuit/settlement..... Lucky me! I guess I be thankful to be alive...

This was been the worst week of my life-- bar none!_________________________________________
JimboTrek

I believe that I owe my life to my helmet too. Like in your experience, my helmet absorbed some of the impact when I crashed back in May on my commmute to work. I ended up with a skull fracture and what I've been told is a significant brain injury, and my docs told me (and I agree with them) that it's unlikely that I would have survived without my helmet. Unfortunately, recovery from my crash totally destroyed my touring plans for 2004.

Interested in my story? Click here (http://denise2004crash.crazyguyonabike.com) for a journal about my crash and my return to cycling.

As a motorcycle racer for a number of years and still a daily rider, I wouldn't think about getting on a bicycle without a helmet. BUT, bike helmets look flimsy and not very full coverage to my novice eyse. I keep wishing I had on my MOTORCYCLE helmet on the fast downhills when I am looking at the pavement whizzing by beneath those skinny 700's by 23's!

BTW, I've had a number of motorcycle wrecks . . . never yet even scratched a helmet. So What? I'm still going to where on at all times.

Tyson

I've gotten used to my helmet and just like fastening a seat beat, I have gotten into the habit of wearing one. Helmets are not a total safety shield but the truth is, if you fall, you are less likely to have severe head trauma if you wear a helmet. Once you wear them enough, you barely even notice them and feel almost naked without one. Helmets are cheap and even a department store helmet is much better than no helmet. I too wear a Bell helmet. I'm glad in the 4 years I have owned it, I've never had a crash in which I needed to use it.

And just remember bike helmets are a one time protection, if you wreck with your helmet and it shows any sign of damage, get a new one. They're cheap enough.

Cheers,

I got in a lucky accident once when I was in 7th grade. I was mountain biking in the woods down by the North River in Mass and I was going about 20-25 mph on loose rocks and dirt. Then all I remember is the ambulance. To this day I don't really remember walking back to my friends at the river and I don't remember ever falling. It was very scary. From that day on I always work a helmet. It's amazing what compressed styrofoam can do! I consider myself very lucky to be here today.

The first time I ever wore a helmet on a bicycle, an old woman intentionally ran me off the road. I whacked my head on a telephone pole. My head was ok; the helmet was not. I do not even ride in our driveway without one now.

As to the comparatively flimsy construction of bike helmets versus motorcycle and automobile racing helmets, the potential speeds and intertial mass involved are much less. I've also noticed that some of the downhillers in the area have started wearing bmx type helmets which do give better coverage at the expense of being considerably warmer.

I believe Bell and Giro have replacement deals if you crash one of their helmets.

OK, I am going to come out on a "lunatic fringe" limb here and state that I have never worn a helmet in 30+ years (who's counting?) of cycling. I know, I know, you don't need to give me the lecture. I want to use a helmet, but I find them cumbersome, damn unsexy and give that "alien" appearance when cycling into some developing country's backwater village that does little to dispel fear and estrangement when trying to meet the local populace. I say this knowing I primarily live in LA, where looking like a spandex weekend warrior is par for the course. Helmets? They are about as appealing as condoms.

I'm really just saying this not to flame, but to interject another opinion in this thread that isn't solely pro-helmet.

Chastise away...

Oh, and "safety" is a relative concept.

Thanks Jimbo for awakening us to what might happen, Speedy full recovery to you. I as with others, don't even mount the bike until the helmet is on. I read somewhere by one of the bike helmet mfg. that a helmet should be replaced every 5 years due to the breakdown of the materials caused by UV and other polluntants, makes sence to me, however some might say it's because of monetary gain by the companies. I'll choose to replace mine every 5 years, and if struck replace immediately.
Also, you bring up a great point about bungee straps, Please don't use them, there very dangerous when used on a bike. I and many makers of panniers (Beckman) recomends the use of half inch or one inch nylon straps with threaded buckles or the fastex type to secure the loads.
Again Jimbo, I pray you have a full recovery.

...I have never worn a helmet in 30+ years (who's counting?) of cycling.... I want to use a helmet, but I find them cumbersome, damn unsexy and give that "alien" appearance when cycling into some developing country's backwater village that does little to dispel fear and estrangement when trying to meet the local populace. I say this knowing I primarily live in LA, where looking like a spandex weekend warrior is par for the course.....


I don't know where you ride. I suspect it might be the case if you ride in Mexico or Central America – heck, you might be looked at "the American Tourist" if you wear one in Europe. But I thought that in Los Angeles, it's actually riding without one that would make you look like an alien.

BTW, around here at least, the "least alien look" would be wearing civilian clothes and a basic round ($10-30) helmet.

Man, that sound like a real hard hit. I'll keep you in my prayers. Thankfully, that helmet did what is was supposed to do.

If you don't mind might I suggest you consider a recumbent trike for future riding? There are no balance issues and no front fork to break in half. If your strap come alose it won't jam into the front tire because the front tires are to the side of you.

http://www.greenspeed.com.au/

OK, I am going to come out on a "lunatic fringe" limb here and state that I have never worn a helmet in 30+ years (who's counting?) of cycling. I know, I know, you don't need to give me the lecture. I want to use a helmet, but I find them cumbersome, damn unsexy and give that "alien" appearance when cycling into some developing country's backwater village that does little to dispel fear and estrangement when trying to meet the local populace. I say this knowing I primarily live in LA, where looking like a spandex weekend warrior is par for the course. Helmets? They are about as appealing as condoms.

I'm really just saying this not to flame, but to interject another opinion in this thread that isn't solely pro-helmet.

Chastise away...

can't help the bulky and uncomfortable, but I think 661's mullet helmet is pretty not unsexy...

I'm glad you were wearing a helmet Jimbo. I don't think there is an argument to make against the safety advantages of helmets.
But I never wear one..... I grew up in the Netherlands, riding my bike to school every day. When I was 25 I rode my bike around the world. At that time the only people wearing helmets were American bike-tourists. I have crashed my bike, but never got seriously hurt. I consider not wearing a helmet as a chance I am taking, just like taking a chance by going riding in the first place, or getting out of bed in the morning.
But you just proved again that helmets do save lives.

I ride a trike....fast and furious....and I WEAR a helmet.

I believe Bell and Giro have replacement deals if you crash one of their helmets.

Just as an aside, if you're into aero bars, so does Syntace.

Back to the exact topic, I fractured my skull when I was ten years old.
Despite my stupidity, there was no permanent damage.
I'm now 28, and I love my helmet.

OK, I am going to come out on a "lunatic fringe" limb here and state that I have never worn a helmet in 30+ years (who's counting?) of cycling.

You are not alone and there is no need to apologize to anyone for not wearing a helmet. The only time I have worn a helmet in over 30 years has been for organized rides that require it. Otherwise a ballcap is my standard headgear. Yes, I have taken some spills, even gotten a few bumps on the head - though some may disagree, I don't think I am a vegetable.

Bottom line is two-fold:

1. A helmet is a personal decision, not something that should be mandated by anyone. Based on statistics, logic dictates that if we are to require helmets on bicycles, they should also be required by pedestrians, motor vehicle operators, motorcyclists and maybe those who prefer a shower to a bath. Going further, if one advocates mandatory bicycle helmet laws, it follows that they should also advocate mandatory seat belt laws, anti-abortion laws, anti-drug laws, anti-smoking and anti-drinking laws.

2. While a helmet may protect you from many head injuries, by far the best protection from all bicycling related injuries is safe bicycling. It amazes me how many cyclists ride dangerously and do not obey traffic laws. I even had one feller scold me about not wearing a helmet as I was waiting for the light to change to green at an intersection...and he was riding right through it. How about the wanna-be Lance's on aero bars that go barrelling at 20mph on a multi-use path crowded with people, kids and pets? Who is the lunatic?

If you feel the need to wear a helmet, great, if you don't, that's fine too.

anyone recommend a good health care insurance for a freelancer in San Diego? I'm in my mid 20s so I'm only looking for minimal coverage.

OK, I am going to come out on a "lunatic fringe" limb here and state that I have never worn a helmet in 30+ years (who's counting?) of cycling. I know, I know, you don't need to give me the lecture. I want to use a helmet, but I find them cumbersome, damn unsexy and give that "alien" appearance when cycling into some developing country's backwater village that does little to dispel fear and estrangement when trying to meet the local populace. I say this knowing I primarily live in LA, where looking like a spandex weekend warrior is par for the course. Helmets? They are about as appealing as condoms.

I'm really just saying this not to flame, but to interject another opinion in this thread that isn't solely pro-helmet.

Chastise away...

I hear what you are saying about riding around outside the states...especially in a 'developing' country, where ppl ride their motorbikes wearing flimsy shower flip-flops et cetera...-but even they don't joke about whether to wear a rubber..If you are going to protect anything, I say it should be ones' brain and ones' package..IMHO

You are not alone and there is no need to apologize to anyone for not wearing a helmet. The only time I have worn a helmet in over 30 years has been for organized rides that require it. Otherwise a ballcap is my standard headgear. Yes, I have taken some spills, even gotten a few bumps on the head - though some may disagree, I don't think I am a vegetable.

Bottom line is two-fold:

1. A helmet is a personal decision, not something that should be mandated by anyone[...]

2. While a helmet may protect you from many head injuries, by far the best protection from all bicycling related injuries is safe bicycling. It amazes me how many cyclists ride dangerously and do not obey traffic laws. I even had one feller scold me about not wearing a helmet as I was waiting for the light to change to green at an intersection...and he was riding right through it. How about the wanna-be Lance's on aero bars that go barrelling at 20mph on a multi-use path crowded with people, kids and pets? Who is the lunatic?

If you feel the need to wear a helmet, great, if you don't, that's fine too.

How many potential accidents are beyond (y)our control? You can only minimize the likelyhood of an accident...and you ofcourse can minimize the potential for injury in the event of one. I believe the 'bottom line' is we all are contained in an exceptional organ that cannot even support itself under its own weight...-if your brain were placed on a table it would flatten out much like a pancake. I don't mean to lecture, but...A Jelly Pancake :eek:

OK, I am going to come out on a "lunatic fringe" limb here and state that I have never worn a helmet in 30+ years (who's counting?) of cycling. I know, I know, you don't need to give me the lecture. I want to use a helmet, but I find them cumbersome, damn unsexy and give that "alien" appearance when cycling into some developing country's backwater village that does little to dispel fear and estrangement when trying to meet the local populace. I say this knowing I primarily live in LA, where looking like a spandex weekend warrior is par for the course. Helmets? They are about as appealing as condoms.

I'm really just saying this not to flame, but to interject another opinion in this thread that isn't solely pro-helmet.

Chastise away...


That's fine. You have the freedom to make any choice you want. if you want to ride without a helmet, then do it. But if you crash and crack your skull open don't expect us tax payers to pay for your medical bills. ;)

That's fine. You have the freedom to make any choice you want. if you want to ride without a helmet, then do it. But if you crash and crack your skull open don't expect us tax payers to pay for your medical bills. ;)
You don't have socialized medicine in America, so you have very little to worry about.

Uhh, everyone can get free health services in America. It's called pro bono. There are pro bono hospitals and doctor here.

I'm just making a point for self responsibility.

I hate helmets... I still wear mine most of the time... I think tourbike is right, helmets are like condoms...

I hate helmets... I still wear mine most of the time... I think tourbike is right, helmets are like condoms...

*snerk*

We could always abstain. But what fun would that be? ;)

Uhh, everyone can get free health services in America. It's called pro bono. There are pro bono hospitals and doctor here.

I'm just making a point for self responsibility.


Umm...if it's pro bono, then doesn't that mean it's not taxpayer funded? Also, I would take issue with your assertion that "everyone can get free health services in America".

Sorry to hear about what happened to you and my best wishes for a speedy recovery. On Aug. 20th of this year, while biking the Icefield Parkway, I allowed my front tire to go on the gravel portion of the shoulder. Owing to the ground being soft and the shoulder sloping slightly to the right, my bike started to fishtail and I had to pull it back straight. Because of the fishtailing, my front wheel went right again and when I pulled back hard again, I'm not sure what happened exactly, but I ended up hitting the pavement hard with my head. As my shoes did not disengage from the pedals, the weight of the bike must have pushed my down. My shoes let go as soon as I fell and I was able to get up. My helmet saved me from a serious injury as I heard a loud bang when my head hit the road. I did get a nasty road rash on my shoulder and I could not sleep on my right side for at least two weeks afterwards. As my injury was not serious, I brushed myself off and continued biking. I had purchased a new helmet before this trip and that morning, my wife tightened my chin straps as she felt that my helmet was too loose. Riding a fully loaded bike on a soft shoulder is not an easy thing to do, particularly when the shoulder slopes away from the road. I will never consider riding without a helmet as accidents of this nature can happen very quickly.

Jean

When will people stop citing personal experiences in order to make general rules which they then use to beat the dissenters over the head. I've ridden for over 35 years without wearing a helmet and have never felt the need for one. I have fallen off perhaps once or twice in that time. During the last five years three of my mates have been killed by motorists and they have been wearing the full dayglow gear and a helmet.
This has been my personal experience but I do not feel, based upon this, that I have the right to preach to others to follow my example or adopt my preferences.

I have to agree with Funbun. If you go into a brain trauma unit for an extended period due to an accident without a helmet, you would receive medicare at some point if you ran out of money. Medicare is taxpayer's money. If you want to ride without a helmet, that is your choice. Now make another choice. SIGN OFF on all taxpayer's funding of medical assistance, including the ambulance or EMT's that arrive at the scene. Many of them receive public funding one way or another. Everyone complains about the high cost of medical insurance. Wearing a helmet is one way to keep that cost down.

Hospitals and emergency rooms CANNOT refuse care. This is very very very different from "pro bono." (I don't think this term is even used outside of law? Not sure...) You still have to pay for care. Yes, Medicare exists, but (again, might be mistaken somewhat on this) I don't think that kicks in in any meaningful way until you've hit poverty.



I understand a lot of you are trying to spread wisdom here, but... nah. The plural of anecdote is not data. There are worlds and worlds of bike injuries that involve the helmet in no way whatsoever, andl a good number still on which a helmet, even if struck, would have no considerable effect (neck/spinal injuries).


As an example of sorts, states that have mandatory seatbelt laws have a pretty significant reduction in per capita injuries and the seriousness of injuries that do happen. There is no similar example for bicycle helmet use. None. (Most, if not all, statistics of increased rider injuries fail to mention a much greater number of people riding.) Not between states, or between countries, or continents.


I'd rather have people riding bikes, everywhere, and drivers be used to us and (relatively more) respectful of us-- and I mean "normal" people, with the pair of Pacific comfort bikes leaned up against the side of the garage-- then to have these people think "oh, we don't have any helmets, we should take the Taurus."


If that makes sense.



Sorry to rant, but this whole "YOU NEED TO DO THIS IMMEDIATELY" line is always spectacularly off-putting, even if you happen to be in the right.

This seems to be the sort of posting from helmet people most of the time.

He lands on his face and then tells us that we should wear a helmet which doesn't protect your face.

Now, mind you, a helmet is probably OK for an accident such as this had you landed on the helmet. But a dent in the front of the helmet signifies less than nothing since you can get the same effect by dropping the helmet onto a hard surface.

Reminds me of a friend who did an over-the-bars flip, separated his shoulder, got covered in road rash then pointed to an almost invisible dent on the furthest rear extension of the helmet (a month later of course) and said, "My helmet saved my life."

I wear a helmet, yet still, I've never fallen and hit my head. I've done the over-the-bars flip once before I started to wear the helmet yet I didn't even touch my head with the ground. All I had was road rash on my hands and some on my knees. I just washed them with the water in my bottle and kept on cycling.
The reason why I wear the helmet is that I have a phobia that one day I might fall and hit my head to the edge of the curb and the head (along with the spine but I can't see a way of protecting that) is not that easily fixable.

I've been riding bikes since I was a kid, had many crashes and only hit my head twice. I was wearing a helmet both times, thankfully, and I believe they saved me some serious injury.

My first accident was when I was about 13 years old and riding my BMX bike. I always wore a DOT-approved, full-face motorcycle helmet when I rode. I always rode like a maniac, but at least I was smart enough to realize that and wear the appropriate safety gear.

Anyway, I went off a jump and my front wheel fell off in the air. When I landed, my forks dug into the ground and launched me face-first into the hard-packed dirt. I got knocked out and got a stage-2 complex concussion. The full-face helmet saved me from a hamburger-meat face and probably a cracked head.

Fast-forward a decade and now I wear a 661 full-face helmet on my mountain bike (still riding like a maniac) and a standard "skull-cap" on my road bike. A couple weeks ago I jumped off a small 2-foot drop on my mountain bike, somehow messed up the landing and got slammed into the ground. The side of my head bounced off the dirt and left me with blurred vision and ringing ears. I only got a simple stage 1 concussion this time and I am very thankful to have been wearing my helmet once again.

My personal choice is to always wear my safety gear. I don't care at all if people think I look goofy because of it, I'm not that insecure. A bike helmet might not save me from all types of serious injury, but it increases my chances of avoiding it; so for me, the choice is simple.

I agree 100% with wearing a helmet! I would not go to the end of the driveway with out one. Just too much too loose.

There is a woman here in Tracy CA. She was just riding around on her street, with out a helmet, just having a good time when she crashed. She WAS a teacher but not any longer as she can't function at the level required to be a teacher. Very sad.

So, how much money and time did you spend on your education? Want to risk the investment just to "look sexy?"

Joe

Tourbike:
Condoms and bicycle helmets do the same thing: they can save lives and/or reduce the co$t of an 'accident!'

They are about as appealing as condoms.

Who do you think is going to be impressed by you when you're riding your bike?

If I'm on a bike, I've already given up any chance of not looking like a geek, so I might as well be safe and comfortable, therefore helmet and lycra for me.

I'm not lecturing though, it's your noggin.

If you follow the logic of the people who say that if you don't wear a helmet they don't want taxpayers to pay for your hospital stay, then wouldn't it be logical to say the same thing about someone who CHOSE to ride a bike and then crashed? The poster of the this thread WAS wearing a helmet and still did hospital time!!!! Sheesh. I guess we should just have the EMTs judge every accident and if they determine the person involved did not do everything in the proper manner to avoid the accident then they should just close the ambulance doors and drive off.

I'm sorry to hear about such a horrible accident, but has anyone noticed how often people have horrible crashes wearing helmets, sustain head injuries and then claim that the helmet saved their lives? Maybe the helmet didn't absorb that much energy in the first place...

If you follow the logic of the people who say that if you don't wear a helmet they don't want taxpayers to pay for your hospital stay, then wouldn't it be logical to say the same thing about someone who CHOSE to ride a bike and then crashed? The poster of the this thread WAS wearing a helmet and still did hospital time!!!! Sheesh. I guess we should just have the EMTs judge every accident and if they determine the person involved did not do everything in the proper manner to avoid the accident then they should just close the ambulance doors and drive off.

I'm sorry to hear about such a horrible accident, but has anyone noticed how often people have horrible crashes wearing helmets, sustain head injuries and then claim that the helmet saved their lives? Maybe the helmet didn't absorb that much energy in the first place...

This reminds me of one of the most horrible report on the social cost of smoking... some researchers found out that smokers tend to cost less in health care as they die early.

Concerning helmets:

Note: Ken was a fine man who wore his helmet all the time. He was run over and killed on a road near his home.

http://www.kenkifer.com/bikepages/advocacy/mhls.htm

The moral of this story is that it requires that you use your head for THINKING, OBSERVING AND ACTING to protect yourself and not for hanging a piece or styrofoam upon and pretending to be immortal.

As for the actual effectiveness of helmets:

http://www.magma.ca/~ocbc/kunich.html

I realize we are in the touring forum but most of my comments are geared towards "average" ridership, and the idea that helmet-wearing is and should be a personal choice. I'm not saying anyone should be road/pack racking, or mtb biking, or nearly any kind of riding involving children, without a helmet.


So these above examples about it being silly to not wear a helmet while jumping off **** in the middle of the woods, guess what? You're right. And it's not the point.


Having more people on bikes does so incredibly much more for our visibility, familiarity and safety. Fearmongering about helmet use does little else now but antogonize our community and, broadly, keeps people off of bicycles.

Just saying.

Funbun, then how about paying for smokers, hamburger-eaters etc?

It's called self responsibility folks. Wear the freakin helmet. It's a wise thing. Stop smoking. It's wise. Don't eat McDonalds morning, noon, and night. Subway is just across the street. Take responsibility for yourselves.


Unrelated:


Umm...if it's pro bono, then doesn't that mean it's not taxpayer funded?
What is your solution to the rising health care costs? I would like to know your opinion. I'm not being a prick. I really want to know.

It's called self responsibility folks. Wear the freakin helmet. It's a wise thing. Stop smoking. It's wise. Don't eat McDonalds morning, noon, and night. Subway is just across the street. Take responsibility for yourselves.


Unrelated:


What is your solution to the rising health care costs? I would like to know your opinion. I'm not being a prick. I really want to know.

My suggestion would be to ride a bike as often as you can but there's the rub. When Austrailia introduced mandatory wearing of helmets I believe cycling was reduced by 60%. This has a huge impact re long-term health benefits of the population when compared with any beneficial effects of wearing a helmet. Too many people lazily preaching without bothering to find out the facts.

Good point. I don't think there should be mandatory laws for wearing helmets, but it's just responsible to wear one.

Sorry to rant, but this whole "YOU NEED TO DO THIS IMMEDIATELY" line is always spectacularly off-putting, even if you happen to be in the right.

Agree. My first reaction o reading the thread title was, "Why NOW? I'm sitting in my office at the computer!" :)

The OP's story didn't merit a flippant or humorous remark however, so I let it pass until I saw your comment. The OP is preaching to the chior in my case. I always wear a helmet. That's where my rearview mirror is attached.

So far, in my 54 years I have never had occasion to test my cycling helmet and only once called on my auto seat belts for protection. Air bags have never deployed and the grandkids have never really needed to be strapped into a car seat except for the law requiring it. I still use all three religiously. I also believe in your right to choose, even if I support the laws on the books protecting children. :)

My wife's only concern is who's going to continue paying the mortgage in case I die on the road. She insists I wear my helmet which I always do anyway.

Good point. I don't think there should be mandatory laws for wearing helmets, but it's just responsible to wear one.

Yes, there you go again. You are aware I take it that your helmet provides no protection at all when moving on the bike? Sitting stationary at the kerb perhaps ...but don't let me burst your bubble. There are more head injuries experienced in the home than on bikes. Will you now go on to preach that we should wear helmets when washing-up? To be switched on and alert to road conditions at all times provides real protection and I resent being told that after 35 years of cycling in the UK and in France that I am irresponsible in not wearing a helmet.
:(

I'm not washing up. Wear the freakin helmet while riding outside on the freaking bike. We are not talking about inside the home injuries. We are talking about outside on the bike while riding.

I have never said that I support government madates to wear helmets. I don't believe the goverment should be my nanny. I can take reposibility for myself and I'm not going to ride outside on my bike without a helmet and don't need the freakin government to tell me if I should or should wear a helmet. I choose to wear one because I choose to take responsibility for myself.

Freedom means you have the choice of wearing the helmet or not. That your choice. If you do have an accident and your skull get cracked open then it's your fault reguardles of the chances.

You can resent all yuou want. I'm not here to make you feel good. And yes I do think it is irresponsible not to wear a helmet. But that is your choice not wear one. And I have no control over what you do. So why do you even care what I think about you?

You can resent all yuou want. I'm not here to make you feel good. And yes I do think it is irresponsible not to wear a helmet. But that is your choice not wear one. And I have no control over what you do. So why do you even care what I think about you?


This wasn't addressed to me but I'll pick it up anyway: because this sentiment, being as widespread as it is, contributes to great big silly legislative things like mandatory helmet laws and very small silly things like the scowling and admonishments I get when doing anything over 20mph on my road bike sans helmet.


It doesn't matter that I'm courteous, respect most of the traffic laws, am lit up like a disco ball at night, promote the health and financial benefits of bicycle commuting and touring as best I can to my friends and family, nope... I'm the irresponsible guy without a helmet.


That's why I care.

I thought this was a directive. I am now sitting at the computer with a bright yellow helmet on.

If I ever have the privelage of stopping next to someone that isn't wearing a helmet, I have this conversation:

"hi meatball!"

"what?"

"meatball..."

"what are you talking about?"

"Meatball...you know...what your head looks like after a minor accident without a helmet."

You're free to not wear a helmet. I'm free to ***** about it. Freedom of speech, baby!

Of course, I also close truck gates that are left down in parking lots. That bugs me. I'm not sure if that is constitutionally protected behavior.