atreides

First post, search wasn't helpful for this particular question.

I'm a college student and I just started going to class by bike (campus is only 4 miles away). For those who don't have a desk or locker or office or other place to stow personal items, what the heck do you do with your helmet? My backpack is already stuffed full with books and shoes, and it's horribly awkward/clumsy to strap it to the outside. I don't feel comfortable leaving it exposed to the elements hanging from the handlebars or saddle, even if I tie it into the lock somehow. Man up and leave it with the bike, or penny up and get a bigger bag?

DXchulo

I leave mine with the bike, attached to the cable lock that runs through my front wheel. I commute with an older, ugly helmet anyway, so I'm not too worried about the elements. I actually prefer to have it out there on hot days so all the sweat gets a good chance to dry out. Stuff in my locker never dries out 100%.

Here's an option you might not have thought of. Expensive, but it would solve your problem.

pmw

I lock my helmet much like I lock the bike, with the same U-lock. I don't imagine anyone will want to cut the helmet straps.

toucci

I just clip it to the frame. Few would want to steal an old helmet, and locking it won't provide any protection from vandals.

ax0n

Depends on where I'm at. Sometimes I lug it around with me. Sometimes I run the cable lock through the vents. Sometimes I just clasp it around my handlebars, especially if I'll be able to keep an eye on it.

mtnbk3000

you could get a backpack that has a spot for it like a large camelback or one from northface.

Junkdad

Lock the strap to your bike, as long as it's out of the rain (should be anyway).

icedmocha 

Put it on the backpack. Just get a bigger bp.

MikeR

Just wear it all day - really impresses the chicks!

macdonwald

I have this backpack--it's designed for you to stick the helmet between the outer flap and the main body of the pack.

whatsmyname

I loop it around the lock when I leave the bike. The kinds of people that steal bikes aren't so desparate for a helmet that they're going to cut the straps to steal one.

rando

leave it at home.

FlatFender

I just carry it with my to class when Im on campus, otherwise it sits on my desk at work.

Sixty Fiver

I park my bike inside at work and hang my helmet from the top tube and if my gloves need air they go on the ends of my bars.

gbcb

I use a messenger bag, and it clips quite conveniently to that. Over time, it might get a bit banged up, but nothing catastrophic.

Flimflam

I either clip it to the main straps on my backpack (if I have it), to my QR rack that I take with me, or just loop the triangular part of the strap through with the U-lock so it's locked, to get it someone would have to break the lock and/or cut the straps - either of which scenario I don't imagine is all too likely.

mtnbk3000

wear it right through class, if anybody asks its your thinking cap

enthuesd

Put the U lock through one of the ventilation holes in it if your lock can fit it. LIke said before, doesn't stop the vandals but it's better than through the straps.

making

fold it up and put it in your pocket

Artkansas 

I lock my helmet to the bike.

Buglady

I carry it around, but it's getting annoying. (I put my water bottle in it and carry it by the straps like a little bucket. Yes, it's just as dorky as it sounds...). I'll probably just hang it on the bike next weeks. If nobody's stolen the unlocked Jamis Coda yet, they aren't going to be interested in my $20 Canadian Tire helmet...

(NB: Jamis Coda isn't mine. Yet. Though if they keep leaving it unlocked, or badly locked, I may be tempted.... saw it 4 times last week, and I am AMAZED it's still around. I keep looking for the hidden camera, since a social-psychology experiment is the only logical explanation...)

allan_dunlop

At university and college, I just either attached it to my day pack through a loop, or put it in my locker (when I bothered to rent one).

Same thing when I'm out shopping.

To secure it to a day pack, I stretch the helmet straps around from one side of the pack to the other, so it doesn't do that annoying flopping all over the place. If you don't have straps that'll work for that, it's easy to glue some on to the pack.

Having been a student and TDM (transportation demand management) coordinator at a university, I know there are usually many opportunities to store stuff in lockers--either in the main buildings or in the gym complex.

Having a locker makes life much easier. Text books weigh tons, and carrying them around all day in a pack sucks.

Allan

beoba

Just locking a strap should be sufficient. If you have a U-lock (if you don't, you really should), you can just hang the strap over the U-bar as you're locking the bike, and anyone who wants to grab your helmet would have to cut the strap (or break the lock..).

A helmet with a torn/cut strap isn't worth anything, so you're only going to be worried about vandals, who wouldn't be deterred by locking through a vent hole anyway. I've yet to be in a situation where this would work, as the holes tend to be too small for the locks I use, and the helmet gets in the way of having enough room to lock the bike!

DataJunkie

Mine is stinky and beat up. I leave it strapped to my handlebar. If someone steals it I ride helmet less and I have an excuse to purchase a new helmet. Why anyone would want my stinky pads on their forehead is beyond me. I suppose they could purchase new ones.

I-Like-To-Bike

Why do you want to wear a stinky and beat up helmet? Spring for a new one one; or get with the real Real Cyclist program and never have a problem again with stinky helmets or what to do with 'em.