View Poll Results: What Are Your Helmet Wearing Habits?
I've never worn a bike helmet
52
10.40%
I used to wear a helmet, but have stopped
24
4.80%
I've always worn a helmet
208
41.60%
I didn't wear a helmet, but now do
126
25.20%
I sometimes wear a helmet depending on the conditions
90
18.00%
Voters: 500. You may not vote on this poll
The Helmet Thread 2
#978
Senior Member
2001 helmet vote,...........................................................................2014 helmet vote,
Always.........74.44%,.....................................................................63.23%
Never............4.44%......................................................................16.29%
Sometimes....21.11%.....................................................................20.48%
The Bare headers are gaining....
Always.........74.44%,.....................................................................63.23%
Never............4.44%......................................................................16.29%
Sometimes....21.11%.....................................................................20.48%
The Bare headers are gaining....
#979
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2001 helmet vote,...........................................................................2014 helmet vote,
Always.........74.44%,.....................................................................63.23%
Never............4.44%......................................................................16.29%
Sometimes....21.11%.....................................................................20.48%
The Bare headers are gaining....
Always.........74.44%,.....................................................................63.23%
Never............4.44%......................................................................16.29%
Sometimes....21.11%.....................................................................20.48%
The Bare headers are gaining....
Examples would be me, I just happened to wander on to this thread due to the "old" survey link. I seldom wear a helmet; but I am not passionate about it. Like my father did, and I recall his father doing; I just get on my bicycle and ride to work and the market, and other daily destinations. It is a means of transportation, not a sport.
In the past I rode for sport and when I did I wore a helmet. I even have one sitting on a shelf. I use it for club riding; but there is no bike club where I am now. One advantage of riding in a rural town is that I don't constantly get lectured about helmets by the kids (late 20s' to mid 30s' seem most prone to preaching) who grew up wearing them.
I think I got entirely out of the practice of wearing a helmet in China. I was thinking about wearing one this winter for the warmth; but it didn't fit over my baklava (I think I just spelled the version that is a pastry). I was also concerned about the potential of getting injured by slipping on ice. However, I decided to get studded tires instead of a helmet. I realize one can use both; but, as I said, it simply never got cold enough for a helmet.
I do agree that Mandatory Helmet Laws would help achieve the goal of, those I speak to, who call for things like auto style licensing and operators license for bike riders. The goal being to reduce bike usage.
#980
Just a person on bike
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Actually, this goes to show (again) that "advocates" who insist that OTHERS should wear a USCG Type I PFD while cycling while they themselves don't wear a USCG Type I PFD while cycling are disingenuous "advocates" at best.
Whatever else rydabent's faults are, he at least talks the talk *AND* rides the ride.
Whatever else rydabent's faults are, he at least talks the talk *AND* rides the ride.
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#981
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All he has to do is just ride the ride. I honestly don't see any reason why he (or anyone else) has to put other cyclists down simply because they choose not to wear a helmet while riding. Do what you believe is right for you, and let others do what they believe is right for them. Why is it so hard to do?
FWIW, I'd oppose an adult bicyclist MHL in Massachusetts. We are at 75% without it, and that percentage is growing as folks age out of this life.
-mr. bill
#982
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I will wear a helmet when I decide to. I don't need the MHL to tell me that I must do it all the time. So please tell me. Why is it that you push your pro-helmet attitude onto other cyclists? Why is it not okay for others to make their own decisions about whether or not to wear a helmet based on their own judgment?
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The value of your life doesn't change based on the way you travel. - Dawn Schellenberg (SDOT)
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#984
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It is really "mainly because," not "solely because." Hopefully it is clearer now. Now, do you care to answer my questions in #982 ?
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The value of your life doesn't change based on the way you travel. - Dawn Schellenberg (SDOT)
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#986
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Do what you believe is right for you, and let others do what they believe is right for them.
How can you interpret this as an "anti-helmet" attitude? Or have I said anywhere else that cyclists should not wear a helmet? I'd very much doubt I have.
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The value of your life doesn't change based on the way you travel. - Dawn Schellenberg (SDOT)
The value of your life doesn't change based on the way you travel. - Dawn Schellenberg (SDOT)
#988
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Oh, I must be mistaken, then. My apologies. Do we agree, then, that the decision to (not) wear a helmet should be up to the individual cyclist?
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The value of your life doesn't change based on the way you travel. - Dawn Schellenberg (SDOT)
The value of your life doesn't change based on the way you travel. - Dawn Schellenberg (SDOT)
#990
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Let me rephrase it. Absent the MHL, do we agree that the decision to (not) wear a helmet should be up to the individual cyclist?
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The value of your life doesn't change based on the way you travel. - Dawn Schellenberg (SDOT)
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#991
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I am relatively new to biking. Just got my hands on a 2015 Trek 7.2 FX. Looking for a casual commuting helmet to which I may attach some lights. Any suggestions?
(I just assumed that this being a helmet thread, this would be the right place to ask this question but if not, please guide me to the right one.)
(I just assumed that this being a helmet thread, this would be the right place to ask this question but if not, please guide me to the right one.)
#992
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I am relatively new to biking. Just got my hands on a 2015 Trek 7.2 FX. Looking for a casual commuting helmet to which I may attach some lights. Any suggestions?
(I just assumed that this being a helmet thread, this would be the right place to ask this question but if not, please guide me to the right one.)
(I just assumed that this being a helmet thread, this would be the right place to ask this question but if not, please guide me to the right one.)
When using a helmet, just keep in mind that it's a very limited means of protection, (In my opinion to the point it's not worth wearing one) and that real bicycle safety comes from avoiding accidents altogether. As for mounting lights etc to a helmet: just don't. It adds unnecessary weight and protrusions to the helmet, which can exacerbate and even cause injuries in case of an accident. On top of that it will probably compromise the already weak design of the helmet. It's better to mount lights etc. onto the bike.
Last edited by CarinusMalmari; 01-25-15 at 04:18 AM.
#993
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carinus
"The real safety in cycling" as you state is avoiding accidents. Sound good, but it of course ignores the unexpected. And that is my point the unexpected does happen, even to the best cyclist in the world. Cyclist in the TdeF have died due to accidents. Trying to discourage riders, especially new riders from wearing a helmet is absolutely a disservice.
The fact remains that will a helmet protect you in all accidents-----------no-----------but it WILL save some from injury, and that is a good thing. My helmet did save me when I was hit in a low speed accident. All this when wearing a helmet is such a benign thing, it is stupid not to wear one. And lastly do I DEMAND you wear a helmet, not at all, but I still maintain you are foolish not to.
"The real safety in cycling" as you state is avoiding accidents. Sound good, but it of course ignores the unexpected. And that is my point the unexpected does happen, even to the best cyclist in the world. Cyclist in the TdeF have died due to accidents. Trying to discourage riders, especially new riders from wearing a helmet is absolutely a disservice.
The fact remains that will a helmet protect you in all accidents-----------no-----------but it WILL save some from injury, and that is a good thing. My helmet did save me when I was hit in a low speed accident. All this when wearing a helmet is such a benign thing, it is stupid not to wear one. And lastly do I DEMAND you wear a helmet, not at all, but I still maintain you are foolish not to.
#994
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Here is a question for the hand full of anti helmet posters here. Since you argue that you are fantastic bike handlers an the ultimate safe riders, when in your car do you drive without seat belts, and disarm your air bags. Do you tell members of your family you have done so because of your superior driving skills? Seat belts and air bags are auto safety devices, a helmet is one of a bike riders safety devices.
So----------can you still argue I am wrong when I say accident happen, and you never know when.
So----------can you still argue I am wrong when I say accident happen, and you never know when.
#995
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By now everyone posting here knows I support at least a modicum of safety when cycling. That of course includes a helmet.
Since this forum wanders some, let me give you another example of cycling safety. I ride my tadpole trike about half the time. I use clip in pedals rather than just platform pedals. If you are not clipped in your foot may slip off the pedals in a bump, and get partially pulled under the frame causing scrapes and maybe a broken foot.
The bottom line here is that personal safety falls in the line of common sense and logic. There for in my case when on the trike I wear a helmet and use clip in pedals. And that is in light that on my trike, as low as I sit the need for a helmet is probably the lowest in any form of cycling. It still remains that sh---stuff happens.
Since this forum wanders some, let me give you another example of cycling safety. I ride my tadpole trike about half the time. I use clip in pedals rather than just platform pedals. If you are not clipped in your foot may slip off the pedals in a bump, and get partially pulled under the frame causing scrapes and maybe a broken foot.
The bottom line here is that personal safety falls in the line of common sense and logic. There for in my case when on the trike I wear a helmet and use clip in pedals. And that is in light that on my trike, as low as I sit the need for a helmet is probably the lowest in any form of cycling. It still remains that sh---stuff happens.
#996
Tractorlegs
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Although I consider cycling very, very safe, I wouldn't base a decision to go helmetless on the assumption that you're not ever gonna crash because cycling is so "safe". I would choose to wear one (or not) on its ability to protect my head when the inevitable crash happens.
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Trikeman
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#997
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Around here, the dollar value of a used helmet is zero - so folks leave it alone.
(But yes, it's my decision to wear a helmet.)
-mr. bill
#998
Tractorlegs
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I was unaware of marauding hooligans forcing helmets off an individual's head. I certainly didn't encounter any marauding hooligans while riding in Seattle. I would think that "advocates" would want to warn visitors of the marauding hooligans forcing helmets off an individual's head.
Around here, the dollar value of a used helmet is zero - so folks leave it alone.
(But yes, it's my decision to wear a helmet.)
-mr. bill
Around here, the dollar value of a used helmet is zero - so folks leave it alone.
(But yes, it's my decision to wear a helmet.)
-mr. bill
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Trikeman
Trikeman
#999
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I am relatively new to biking. Just got my hands on a 2015 Trek 7.2 FX. Looking for a casual commuting helmet to which I may attach some lights. Any suggestions?
(I just assumed that this being a helmet thread, this would be the right place to ask this question but if not, please guide me to the right one.)
(I just assumed that this being a helmet thread, this would be the right place to ask this question but if not, please guide me to the right one.)
BTW, many lights come with straps that you can thread through the holes in your helmet as well. (You'll quickly save money by going with a USB rechargeable light.)
Most important is fit, they'll give you good advice on fit where you bought your Trek. (One nice thing about Bell/Giro, is once you find a fit (S/M, M/L, or S,M,L depending on the helmet) all of their helmets follow the same sizing guide. So if the shop doesn't have exactly what you are looking for, they can order exactly what you want and you'll be pretty certain it will fit when it arrives.)
Anyhow, go to the shop, tell them what you are looking for, you'll find it. There are so many varieties of helmets now it's amazing. Back when I bought my first helmet it was pretty much any helmet you want - so long as it's a white Bell Tourlite with red stripes.
-mr. bill
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If you live in a world ruled by a big purple dinosaur . . . .
Although I consider cycling very, very safe, I wouldn't base a decision to go helmetless on the assumption that you're not ever gonna crash because cycling is so "safe". I would choose to wear one (or not) on its ability to protect my head when the inevitable crash happens.
Although I consider cycling very, very safe, I wouldn't base a decision to go helmetless on the assumption that you're not ever gonna crash because cycling is so "safe". I would choose to wear one (or not) on its ability to protect my head when the inevitable crash happens.
@rydabent I made a habit out of ignoring you, your latest post directed at me is just another reason as to why I will keep on doing that.
Last edited by CarinusMalmari; 01-25-15 at 10:52 AM.