View Poll Results: Helmet wearing habits?
I've never worn a bike helmet
178
10.66%
I used to wear a helmet, but have stopped
94
5.63%
I've always worn a helmet
648
38.80%
I didn't wear a helmet, but now do
408
24.43%
I sometimes wear a helmet depending on the conditions
342
20.48%
Voters: 1670. You may not vote on this poll
The helmet thread
07-29-12, 07:44 AM
#3101
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lincoln Ne
Posts: 9,815
Bikes: RANS Stratus TerraTrike Tour II
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3238 Post(s)
Liked 1,007 Times
in
603 Posts
I actually would like to know what makes the anti helmet zealots tick. I have one theory----they are the hairy chested types that want to project an image, but really know they should be wearing a helmet.
So they post all the anti helmet diatribes that become a sounding board for like types. That way they are seeking and find reinforcement of their flawed judgement.
So they post all the anti helmet diatribes that become a sounding board for like types. That way they are seeking and find reinforcement of their flawed judgement.
07-29-12, 11:12 AM
#3102
Senior Member
so in other words, they thought, "it could have been worse", but they didn't know, and assumed, the helmet "must have" helped, even if it didn't.
Still, I fail to see the "good news" when Helmeteers pontificate without really knowing what the helmet did or did not do
Still, I fail to see the "good news" when Helmeteers pontificate without really knowing what the helmet did or did not do
All I'm trying to point out is your misleading citation. Publicist was playing this off as "good news" when he was still alive -- you want to make this out as if the publicist was saying this is good news after he died. Which is so obviously not the case, based on the link you provided.
But it is typical of the way the bare-head brigade enjoys misrepresenting citations, studies, pulling things out of context, etc.
07-29-12, 11:18 AM
#3104
Senior Member
British study concludes "that cycle helmets may not be especially
effective in reducing head injuries."
https://jme.bmj.com/content/early/201...cs-2011-100085
I keep waiting for the helmeteers to come up with some untainted evidence. They seem unable to do so, relying on faith-based salvation qualities of helmets.
effective in reducing head injuries."
https://jme.bmj.com/content/early/201...cs-2011-100085
I keep waiting for the helmeteers to come up with some untainted evidence. They seem unable to do so, relying on faith-based salvation qualities of helmets.
Here's the full quote you clipped:
"
We suggest that cycle helmets may not be especially effective in reducing head injuries and we suggest that the imposition of such a restrictive law would violate people's freedom and reduce their autonomy. We also argue that those who accept such a restrictive law would be committed to supporting further legislation which would force many other groups – including pedestrians – to take fewer risks with their health. We conclude that cycle helmet legislation should not be enacted in the UK unless, perhaps, it is restricted to children."
In other words, they are not saying quite what you say they are saying; rather, they are disputing the positive effects of mandatory helmet laws, which most agree with...
Last edited by mconlonx; 07-29-12 at 11:26 AM.
07-29-12, 11:23 AM
#3105
Senior Member
So you'd fall into the group of people that believe that bike helmets prevent TBI?
I was going to wear a helmet today, but my wife begged me not to because she was worried that the risk of rotational injuries (probably exacerbated to the tune of low single digit percentages by strapping on a helmet) might leave our daughter without a father. So I decided to do the responsible thing and leave it at home. I hate the idea of my family wishing that I hadn't succumbed to religious bullying. Imagine them saying: if only Daddy had THOUGHT instead of assuming despite all the evidence.
I was going to wear a helmet today, but my wife begged me not to because she was worried that the risk of rotational injuries (probably exacerbated to the tune of low single digit percentages by strapping on a helmet) might leave our daughter without a father. So I decided to do the responsible thing and leave it at home. I hate the idea of my family wishing that I hadn't succumbed to religious bullying. Imagine them saying: if only Daddy had THOUGHT instead of assuming despite all the evidence.
07-29-12, 11:52 AM
#3106
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Far beyond the pale horizon.
Posts: 14,025
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4082 Post(s)
Liked 1,187 Times
in
842 Posts
He does that frequently.
No one has any idea. It's a speculated problem. There isn't any evidence that shows it occurs in the real world with any sort of regularity. And many of the anti-helmet camp don't appear to have any problems with helmet use when mountain biking. I guess there's a magic effect that doesn't cause rotation injuries mountain biking.
No one has any idea. It's a speculated problem. There isn't any evidence that shows it occurs in the real world with any sort of regularity. And many of the anti-helmet camp don't appear to have any problems with helmet use when mountain biking. I guess there's a magic effect that doesn't cause rotation injuries mountain biking.
Last edited by njkayaker; 07-29-12 at 11:56 AM.
07-29-12, 12:28 PM
#3107
Geck, wo ist mein Fahrrad
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Front Range
Posts: 715
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I keep wondering about the rotational injury thing and it seems it would have a bigger affect the faster you were going when it occurred.
going 10 mph doesn't seem there would be enough force to worry about, where as 40-50 would worry me. but then at those speeds the limits of the helmet's protection have been exceeded. I would argue the faster you go the less you would "need" a helmet, at least the beer cooler variety. I wouldn't mind wearing a heavier, hotter, uglier helmet that worked. it's why I wear one in the winter when I have to go slow.
does anyone else notice how many children ride with a helmet blocking their vision or off to the side, beret style because the straps are so loose? I used to stop and ask the parents if I could adjust them for them, but no more, when the kid falls off the bike the parents will praise the helmets and their wise decision to use them. I won't have to hear it, so I probably shouldn't even care.
going 10 mph doesn't seem there would be enough force to worry about, where as 40-50 would worry me. but then at those speeds the limits of the helmet's protection have been exceeded. I would argue the faster you go the less you would "need" a helmet, at least the beer cooler variety. I wouldn't mind wearing a heavier, hotter, uglier helmet that worked. it's why I wear one in the winter when I have to go slow.
does anyone else notice how many children ride with a helmet blocking their vision or off to the side, beret style because the straps are so loose? I used to stop and ask the parents if I could adjust them for them, but no more, when the kid falls off the bike the parents will praise the helmets and their wise decision to use them. I won't have to hear it, so I probably shouldn't even care.
07-29-12, 09:14 PM
#3108
Senior Member
You want to make this all about the "good news" quote.
All I'm trying to point out is your misleading citation. Publicist was playing this off as "good news" when he was still alive -- you want to make this out as if the publicist was saying this is good news after he died. Which is so obviously not the case, based on the link you provided.
But it is typical of the way the bare-head brigade enjoys misrepresenting citations, studies, pulling things out of context, etc.
All I'm trying to point out is your misleading citation. Publicist was playing this off as "good news" when he was still alive -- you want to make this out as if the publicist was saying this is good news after he died. Which is so obviously not the case, based on the link you provided.
But it is typical of the way the bare-head brigade enjoys misrepresenting citations, studies, pulling things out of context, etc.
My post (and link) was all about the whacked-out logic people have about helmets, which is all about the "good news" quote. I didn't misrepresent it.
Last edited by closetbiker; 07-31-12 at 08:05 AM.
07-30-12, 02:07 AM
#3109
Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Posts: 33
Bikes: 2012 Tarmac Comp, 2011 S-Works SL3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
First of all,
definitely helmet on every ride (unless you are riding on your trainer in the living room)
Same way you put your seatbelt on in a car.
Good helmet too. Not an expensive one (that is not the point here) but safe and comfortable,
remember you are always the "weakest link" on the road, when things go sour, you should protect your head,
even when your arms get some traction.
Speaking of helmets, Giro Aeon has been the best one I ever had (had Uvex, Specialized (even though I am a fan), bell)
I hope that is what the thread is about (I was a bit confused intially)
definitely helmet on every ride (unless you are riding on your trainer in the living room)
Same way you put your seatbelt on in a car.
Good helmet too. Not an expensive one (that is not the point here) but safe and comfortable,
remember you are always the "weakest link" on the road, when things go sour, you should protect your head,
even when your arms get some traction.
Speaking of helmets, Giro Aeon has been the best one I ever had (had Uvex, Specialized (even though I am a fan), bell)
I hope that is what the thread is about (I was a bit confused intially)
07-30-12, 02:47 AM
#3110
Banned.
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Uncertain
Posts: 8,651
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I appreciate that this thread s very long and it may be asking too much to request new posters to read it all before participating. But surely even a cursory examination would have told you that it is not just soliciting opinions on which helmets to use.
Since you're in Australia, how about giving us your opinion on why introducing mandatory helmets laws seems to have failed to make Australian cyclists - those that remain, anyway - any safer?
Since you're in Australia, how about giving us your opinion on why introducing mandatory helmets laws seems to have failed to make Australian cyclists - those that remain, anyway - any safer?
07-30-12, 02:51 AM
#3111
Banned.
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Uncertain
Posts: 8,651
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Seriously?
Here's the full quote you clipped:
"
Here's the full quote you clipped:
"
We suggest that cycle helmets may not be especially effective in reducing head injuries and we suggest that the imposition of such a restrictive law would violate people's freedom and reduce their autonomy. We also argue that those who accept such a restrictive law would be committed to supporting further legislation which would force many other groups – including pedestrians – to take fewer risks with their health. We conclude that cycle helmet legislation should not be enacted in the UK unless, perhaps, it is restricted to children."
In other words, they are not saying quite what you say they are saying; rather, they are disputing the positive effects of mandatory helmet laws, which most agree with...
07-30-12, 05:26 AM
#3112
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 895
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 27 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
07-30-12, 07:28 AM
#3113
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lincoln Ne
Posts: 9,815
Bikes: RANS Stratus TerraTrike Tour II
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3238 Post(s)
Liked 1,007 Times
in
603 Posts
Apparently my post #3102 hit too close to home for members of the anti helmet cult to even want to discuss it.!
07-30-12, 08:20 AM
#3114
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Far beyond the pale horizon.
Posts: 14,025
Mentioned: 31 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4082 Post(s)
Liked 1,187 Times
in
842 Posts
You don't really have a problem with specious arguments. As long as they support your position.
Anyway, most cyclists, world-wide, are likely riding rather slowly too. If you were really interested in reducing injuries, you'd be for mandatory limits to bicycle speed!
===================
The arguments against helmets are all over the place.
While the arguments for helmets is not very strong. The arguments against them are no better.
07-30-12, 08:26 AM
#3115
Pedal Pusher/Pundit
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Hutchinson/Minneapolis, MN
Posts: 420
Bikes: Motobecane Jubilee
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yes, what these forums really need is more snark. Seriously, in my short time here all I see is a bunch of unhappy snarky people who have nothing better to do than be smartasses. Many of you have no intention of having an actual conversation.
07-30-12, 11:20 AM
#3116
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Warwick, UK
Posts: 1,049
Bikes: 2000-something 3 speed commuter, 1990-something Raleigh Scorpion
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Apparently you don't read or don't like the explanations that have been posted numerous times. Essentially, people can't be bothered to keep posting stuff for you to ignore.
07-30-12, 12:11 PM
#3117
Geck, wo ist mein Fahrrad
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Front Range
Posts: 715
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
First of all,
definitely helmet on every ride (unless you are riding on your trainer in the living room)
Same way you put your seatbelt on in a car.
Good helmet too. Not an expensive one (that is not the point here) but safe and comfortable,
remember you are always the "weakest link" on the road, when things go sour, you should protect your head,
even when your arms get some traction.
Speaking of helmets, Giro Aeon has been the best one I ever had (had Uvex, Specialized (even though I am a fan), bell)
I hope that is what the thread is about (I was a bit confused intially)
definitely helmet on every ride (unless you are riding on your trainer in the living room)
Same way you put your seatbelt on in a car.
Good helmet too. Not an expensive one (that is not the point here) but safe and comfortable,
remember you are always the "weakest link" on the road, when things go sour, you should protect your head,
even when your arms get some traction.
Speaking of helmets, Giro Aeon has been the best one I ever had (had Uvex, Specialized (even though I am a fan), bell)
I hope that is what the thread is about (I was a bit confused intially)
that's good advice to remember BTW, and now as I have responded to your post as is customary in the helmet thread I'll need to insult something about you, did you have a preference? future offspring? your mother? perhaps you'd like it to remain about you and your IQ. do let me know. and welcome to the BF.
07-31-12, 08:00 AM
#3118
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 922
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
07-31-12, 04:16 PM
#3119
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,114
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I found that one of the local bike shops is having an evening ride. Their facebook page says, "HEADLIGHTS, TAILLIGHTS RECOMMENDED AND HELMET IS REQUIRED!"
Seems strange to me, since headlights and taillights are required by state law and helmets are not.
Seems strange to me, since headlights and taillights are required by state law and helmets are not.
07-31-12, 04:21 PM
#3120
Bicikli Huszár
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Fresno, CA
Posts: 2,116
Bikes: '95 Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
07-31-12, 04:23 PM
#3121
Bicikli Huszár
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Fresno, CA
Posts: 2,116
Bikes: '95 Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
And that headlights and taillights help prevent a collision from occurring with a car, something often fatal; a helmet is only designed to help after a crash, and not with a car.
07-31-12, 04:35 PM
#3122
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Warwick, UK
Posts: 1,049
Bikes: 2000-something 3 speed commuter, 1990-something Raleigh Scorpion
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
That's the basic problem: all the frenzied and disproportionate promotion and mandating of helmets distracts from other safety aspects which actually make a difference.
07-31-12, 06:46 PM
#3123
Senior Member
Could be a reason why helmet laws seem to make little or no impact on injury rates, focus on helmets distract from more effective methods of injury prevention, those methods often ignored because of the faith placed in helmets to prevent injury.
07-31-12, 09:04 PM
#3124
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,114
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Not only that, but I thought the reason why all the organized rides require a helmet is because of "insurance reasons". At least that is what they say. I am not a lawyer, but wouldn't allowing people to ride without state required equipment void the policy and open up a lawsuit?
