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
11-01-12, 10:45 PM
#3901
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Actually, it's directly to the point: I would no more wear a gun and think myself secure from attack than I would wear a helmet and think myself secure from head injury - yet that seems to be exactly what the more rabid of helmet proponents believe.
I have no issue with those who choose to carry a gun, but I do take issue with those who believe that personal security begins and ends with the gun; that once armed they no longer need to consider any other safety issues. The gun, rightfully, is but a small part of a complete personal security plan - just as the helmet should be considered but a small part of the cyclist's personal safety plan. And yet the average helmeteer appears to consider his magic hat the beginning and the end of such discussions, to the degree that he feels comfortable hurling all manner of insults at the skilled and experienced rider who chooses to go bare-headed, while heaping praise on the complete incompetent who has done nothing more to ensure his safety than strap on a few ounces of Styrofoam.
I have no issue with those who choose to carry a gun, but I do take issue with those who believe that personal security begins and ends with the gun; that once armed they no longer need to consider any other safety issues. The gun, rightfully, is but a small part of a complete personal security plan - just as the helmet should be considered but a small part of the cyclist's personal safety plan. And yet the average helmeteer appears to consider his magic hat the beginning and the end of such discussions, to the degree that he feels comfortable hurling all manner of insults at the skilled and experienced rider who chooses to go bare-headed, while heaping praise on the complete incompetent who has done nothing more to ensure his safety than strap on a few ounces of Styrofoam.
11-02-12, 04:45 AM
#3902
Senior Member
The "if then" situation with knowing that you are going to fall is merely to rule out the probability argument in the discussion and concentrate on how a helmet can help when you fall. So it seemed you were missing the point when you responded that if you knew you were going to fall, you would stay home.
11-02-12, 06:40 AM
#3903
Senior Member
Yea, close, but from my point of view this whole "discussion" is more like;
1) Are you generally better off wearing a helmet when you hit your head in a bike accident?
2) Are you generally worse off wearing a helmet when you hit your head in a bike accident?
3) Is it necessary (should be mandated) to wear a helmet while biking?
4) Is it a good idea to wear a helmet while biking?
5) Is it a bad idea to wear a helmet while biking?
I vote for 1 & 4
1) Are you generally better off wearing a helmet when you hit your head in a bike accident?
2) Are you generally worse off wearing a helmet when you hit your head in a bike accident?
3) Is it necessary (should be mandated) to wear a helmet while biking?
4) Is it a good idea to wear a helmet while biking?
5) Is it a bad idea to wear a helmet while biking?
I vote for 1 & 4
11-02-12, 10:18 AM
#3905
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11-02-12, 10:40 AM
#3908
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Handicap grab bars and handrails provide a greater level of safety than a helmet in a shower. That might be why you see these in hospital bathrooms versus the nurses issuing hardhats. Also, I assume it's rather difficult to wash your hair with a helmet on.
[h=3][/h]
[h=3][/h]
11-02-12, 10:46 AM
#3909
Senior Member
Actually, it's directly to the point: I would no more wear a gun and think myself secure from attack than I would wear a helmet and think myself secure from head injury - yet that seems to be exactly what the more rabid of helmet proponents believe.
I have no issue with those who choose to carry a gun, but I do take issue with those who believe that personal security begins and ends with the gun; that once armed they no longer need to consider any other safety issues. The gun, rightfully, is but a small part of a complete personal security plan - just as the helmet should be considered but a small part of the cyclist's personal safety plan. And yet the average helmeteer appears to consider his magic hat the beginning and the end of such discussions, to the degree that he feels comfortable hurling all manner of insults at the skilled and experienced rider who chooses to go bare-headed, while heaping praise on the complete incompetent who has done nothing more to ensure his safety than strap on a few ounces of Styrofoam.
I have no issue with those who choose to carry a gun, but I do take issue with those who believe that personal security begins and ends with the gun; that once armed they no longer need to consider any other safety issues. The gun, rightfully, is but a small part of a complete personal security plan - just as the helmet should be considered but a small part of the cyclist's personal safety plan. And yet the average helmeteer appears to consider his magic hat the beginning and the end of such discussions, to the degree that he feels comfortable hurling all manner of insults at the skilled and experienced rider who chooses to go bare-headed, while heaping praise on the complete incompetent who has done nothing more to ensure his safety than strap on a few ounces of Styrofoam.
However. Those new to riding who have neither safe bike handling skills nor experience might need a helmet more than those with the experience to choose differently. Sure, they'd arguably be better off spending money on a bike skills class than a helmet, but most bike safety classes require helmets anyway, so...
11-02-12, 12:17 PM
#3911
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Haven't umpteen helmet proselytizers scoffed at some allegedly vain people who supposedly shun helmet wear only because of concern about its negative effect on hair appearance and smell due to sweat/helmet stench?
11-02-12, 01:24 PM
#3912
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No, my statement is just a retort to those that bring up the lame helmet in the shower argument, but surely you don't suggest that wearing a bicycle helmet only gives the appearance of safety, do you? Never mind, I think this tread has managed to properly beat that horse to death.
11-02-12, 01:28 PM
#3913
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No, my statement is just a retort to those that bring up the lame helmet in the shower argument, but surely you don't suggest that wearing a bicycle helmet only gives the appearance of safety, do you? Never mind, I think this tread has managed to properly beat that horse to death.
11-02-12, 01:28 PM
#3914
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
11-02-12, 01:58 PM
#3915
Senior Member
The shower/any-other-activity argument is about relative risk, nothing more. It's a common retort to "why not wear a helmet"; the answer being because it just isn't that dangerous for most folks, no more than showering, trekking up stairs, walking down a busy street, etc.
11-02-12, 02:06 PM
#3916
Senior Member
The shower/any-other-activity argument is about relative risk, nothing more. It's a common retort to "why not wear a helmet"; the answer being because it just isn't that dangerous for most folks, no more than showering, trekking up stairs, walking down a busy street, etc.
11-02-12, 03:52 PM
#3917
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I've ridden a bike most of my life and have had quite a few falls, including one last week, but in my 55 years I've never fallen in the shower, yet as I age, the possibility surely increases. I'm not going to start wearing a helmet in the shower tho, but it might be time to install some good safety grab rails.
11-02-12, 05:32 PM
#3918
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Helmets
Is there anyone here that does *not* wear a helmet while riding? I was having a discussion with a friend about this, and we disagreed on whether they're standard gear for most cyclists or not.
11-02-12, 06:25 PM
#3919
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I wear just a ball cap. But must say more then half the bicyclist I encounter do wear a helmet. So guess you could say they are "standard gear for most cyclists."
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11-02-12, 06:35 PM
#3920
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Jeez, I haven't been here long at all, but this topic has been discussed ad nauseum! Playing devil's advocate here--why is it so important to argue about this over and over again? No one is changing anyone's mind. No one is really introducing anything new. There are much more effective ways to stand for a cause, and internet forums have to be the most ineffective way.
Why not just wear them or not wear them and be done with it?
Why not just wear them or not wear them and be done with it?
11-02-12, 07:00 PM
#3921
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I do wear one all the time however it is only my choice and I tend not to preach on the subject. It is whats right for me. I think of it like wearing a seat belt.
My opinion
My opinion
11-02-12, 07:31 PM
#3922
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When I started cycling 8 years ago I stuck entirely to bike paths, on a MTB, going about 12-13mph. I never wore a helmet.
When I moved out to the country and could only ride on roads, I got scared of the reckless traffic and bought one, and I haven't ridden without ever since. Ended up saving my life when I got hit by a car earlier this year.
When I moved out to the country and could only ride on roads, I got scared of the reckless traffic and bought one, and I haven't ridden without ever since. Ended up saving my life when I got hit by a car earlier this year.
11-02-12, 08:21 PM
#3924
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Most around the Portland, Or area seem to wear them. The ones that dont seem to be the younger, "hip" crowd (from what I see). I wear a helmet for a living and see what happens to people who dont - it doesnt take much.
11-02-12, 08:48 PM
#3925
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During my years on this earth, I've worn many types of helmets during many activities, cycling, motorcycling, auto racing, flying, football, baseball, construction, combat and I don't recall a single time where a helmet saved my life. This does not stop me from wearing one, as it only takes one such event to make all the times I've worn a helmet worth while.