Originally Posted by
Mr. Underbridge
Just wondering, but which way are you playing that? Because it seems to me that it's some of the people who don't use helmets who are using the lack of a helmet as an indicator of skill/experience, quite possibly cooler, if not smarter or superior. Not saying that's your particular motivation, but one certainly has to be pretty confident not to use one.
I'm right with you on the live and let live thing. I'm honestly just curious though - is your thinking for not wearing that you don't think you'll get in a crash, or that you don't think it'll do much in a crash?
I learned a long time ago that when your number is up, your number is up, and nothing we can do or wear is gonna make any difference. That isn't to say that I tempt fate, but I put my faith in the good Lord and the skills he blessed me with more than I do some man-made security blanket.
I have went down and I have hit my head...oh well, stuff happens, and I don't hold it against anyone who chooses to do what they feel they must to mitigate their personal risk. I also wear a helmet sometimes, and not just when forced to by some event - icy winter commutes are one example...I know my risk of going down is much greater and even more out of my control.
I have to disagree on the helmetless riders attitudes...at least in here and/or in this day and age. Back in the 70s/80s maybe, but not today. I'd be interested to hear (even via PM so as not to put you in a bad spot) which admitted helmetless riders in BF you feel display that kind of arrogance. I've not seen it.
The debate about the effectiveness of helmets is a good one...it just really ticks me off when it degrades into the 'darwin candidate' BS. The vast majority of cyclists in the world do not wear helmets...not exactly supportive of any Darwin theories.
