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Old 09-24-11 | 09:56 AM
  #3213  
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sudo bike
Bicikli Huszár
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,116
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From: Fresno, CA

Bikes: '95 Novara Randonee

Originally Posted by jonwvara
Another honest question: Are you aware of anyone who, as a result of participating in this forum, announced "Thanks, you people have convinced me, I have stopped wearing/started wearing a helmet?"
*raises hand*

Like many, I took for granted that helmets must work. Everyone wears them, and it's just something you do, like buckling up before pulling out of the driveway. First finding this forum, I thought those advancing the other position were just a bunch of contrarian weirdos, but was shocked to see that not only was the evidence in favor of helmets not as clear-cut as I had imagined, but it was actually quite shaky, and in some cases hinting at possible harm (rotational injury increase, etc). Combined with the fact that risk of death while cycling is low, and that the sorts of collisions which do result in fatalities a helmet will likely not save your life or help with (due to multiple injuries such as internal bleeding), I decided there was no point. Lo and behold, upon removing the helmet, not only was it more comfortable (nothing beats that feeling of wind in your hair) and less a PITA for utility riding (I have a very "hop on and ride" mentality, but I was less prone to heavy sweating, making it possible to more often cycle in to work in my work uniform (shirt and tie).

EDIT: If you can find the last helmet thread you can probably even find my posts defending helmets before confronted with the evidence. (chipcom and closetbiker may even remember, although I didn't post about it a lot before reassessing my situation).

EDIT EDIT: And just so we're clear, this board was an influence and a part of that decision, not the sole reason. I don't suggest anyone stop wearing a helmet based solely on this thread. I took the evidence into count and made a personal risk/reward assessment, and opted not to wear one for the same reasons I don't wear one during any other every day activity such as walking or driving to the store. A downhill mountain biker will not have the same risk/benefit as an urban utility cyclist. I do still wear one (under no impression it will save my life, but may save me some stitches) when I feel my risk of a solo crash is somewhat higher, such as during the first rain in a long time, or icy conditions. Everyone must make their own choice, but I do really suggest people make an informed choice, and not overestimate the abilities of safety equipment; the latter can lead to very, very dangerous situations.

Last edited by sudo bike; 09-24-11 at 10:07 AM.
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