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
10-31-16 | 02:30 PM
#2403
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 22
Bikes: Felt TK2, Felt Z5
OP - you got lucky, and for that we are grateful. Had she plowed into you and run your head over doing 75mph you more than likely wouldn't be here, helmet or not.
I remember reading about a young woman who was run over by a cement mixer in Chicago just last month or two ago. They said she wasn't wearing a helmet. Because a helmet would have saved her life. Right?
I remember reading about a young woman who was run over by a cement mixer in Chicago just last month or two ago. They said she wasn't wearing a helmet. Because a helmet would have saved her life. Right?
10-31-16 | 02:57 PM
#2404
Seńior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 13,748
Likes: 10
From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
Right, and seat belts won't save you if you get crushed by a cement mixer, so there's no point in wearing them, right?
__________________
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
10-31-16 | 03:16 PM
#2405
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 22
Bikes: Felt TK2, Felt Z5
Please notice that I am calling it an incident vs an accident. That was no accident when the drunk woman hit the OP.
10-31-16 | 04:18 PM
#2406
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 6,970
Likes: 59
From: Catskills/Brooklyn, NY
Bikes: See sig
OP,
Posting about helmets here is futile. There are people here who are intent on convincing others that helmets do no good. It's sick and sad.
I'm glad you were wearing you helmet and I'm sure it protected you well.
Posting about helmets here is futile. There are people here who are intent on convincing others that helmets do no good. It's sick and sad.
I'm glad you were wearing you helmet and I'm sure it protected you well.
10-31-16 | 05:03 PM
#2407
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,466
Likes: 6
From: Washington Grove, Maryland
Bikes: 2003 (24)20-Speed Specialized Allez'
My number came up October 9 a year ago. Pedaling home about 1:30AM-I was hit by a drunk. Wrecked my 1965 Rudge-now THAT really angers me ! The police arrested the perpetrator-a woman-ASAP! DWI, texting while driving, driving erratically after an accident, etc. Impounded her vehicle. I woke up in the ambulance, one of the officers said I did everything right-generator light, flasher on the rack, leg light, reflective vest. They too me to the local trauma center, held for observation, released after 12 hours.
Someone asked if I suffered a concussion-swelling of the brain. Those who have known me for years say I have a swelled head, my mother often said my skull was one of the thickest and most impervious substances in the universe.
So I am out a bike, but am otherwise unharmed. No helmet-I wouldn't be here typing this. Anyone who says helmets are not for them-they can read this post.
Someone asked if I suffered a concussion-swelling of the brain. Those who have known me for years say I have a swelled head, my mother often said my skull was one of the thickest and most impervious substances in the universe.
So I am out a bike, but am otherwise unharmed. No helmet-I wouldn't be here typing this. Anyone who says helmets are not for them-they can read this post.
10-31-16 | 05:43 PM
#2408
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,950
Likes: 1,297
I don't quite see it that way. Overall the majority of cyclists in the country cycle under conditions where helmet use is of some benefit. Overall the majority of cyclists that post in A&S and Commuting, cycle under conditions where helmet use is of little to no benefit. This is evidenced by the fact that although by far the country with the most assiduous helmet culture in the developed world, the U.S. has the worst cyclist injury and fatality metrics in the developed world. It is not hyperbole to state that, in a bicycle accident in which a motor vehicle is involved, the presence or not, of a helmet, has only scant bearing on the outcome. In another thread a helmeted cyclist collided with a vehicle and survived. Somehow though I doubt she is writing any helmet testimonials. Survival is a continuum. The helmetless might be after a more black and white outcome.
10-31-16 | 05:46 PM
#2409
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
Likes: 3,868
From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Has anyone ever figured out how to create a parimutuel pool for betting on when threads like this get locked or moved.
I'll put a beer down betting that it doesn't make past 20 posts. Anyone care to cover that?
I'll put a beer down betting that it doesn't make past 20 posts. Anyone care to cover that?
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
10-31-16 | 06:02 PM
#2410
genec
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 27,072
Likes: 4,533
From: West Coast
Bikes: custom built, sannino, beachbike, giant trance x2
Well if we talk about the life of the thread, and do a few posts along that line, aren't we altering the thread outcome.... a'la Heisenberg
10-31-16 | 06:10 PM
#2411
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
Likes: 3,868
From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Factor the unrelated and speculative posts when picking your slot.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
10-31-16 | 06:42 PM
#2413
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
Likes: 3,868
From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Since in all likelihood, we're only betting paper beers, feel free to cheat, it's all part of the game. Of course excessive cheating might catch the awareness of the mods (or be reported by a crybaby) so it might be counter productive.
(only 4 to go, I'm about to concede, too bad nobody covered my bet).
BTW- consider this proof that we can have a non-abrasive helmet thread.
(only 4 to go, I'm about to concede, too bad nobody covered my bet).
BTW- consider this proof that we can have a non-abrasive helmet thread.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
10-31-16 | 06:43 PM
#2414
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 4,456
Likes: 194
From: Eugene, OR
Bikes: Lynskey Meraki 12 speed Di2 Ultegra and canyon Grizl AL 7
Your on for a Paper Beer!
However in the interest of fair virtual gambling I will discount posts 14-17 as off topic and not affecting the disposition of the thread.
However in the interest of fair virtual gambling I will discount posts 14-17 as off topic and not affecting the disposition of the thread.
10-31-16 | 07:01 PM
#2415
Seńior Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 13,748
Likes: 10
From: Michigan
Bikes: Windsor Fens, Giant Seek 0 (2014, Alfine 8 + discs)
That isn't what I am saying at all. Depending on the incident that occurs, a "safety" mechanism may not play a role in the outcome. If you crash on a bicycle doing 5 mph and hit your head, the helmet may work. If you are broadsided by a semi doing 55 mph, the helmet is irrelevant. Just like if you are in a 10 mph fender bender in a car with a seat belt on vs hitting a bridge abutment at 112 mph.
Please notice that I am calling it an incident vs an accident. That was no accident when the drunk woman hit the OP.
Please notice that I am calling it an incident vs an accident. That was no accident when the drunk woman hit the OP.
I don't get the need some people feel to point out the non-magic status of helmets every time someone says that they feel a helmet saved them a grave injury or worse.
__________________
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
Work: the 8 hours that separates bike rides.
10-31-16 | 09:34 PM
#2417
My bicycle is fixed
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,026
Likes: 2
From: Auckland, NZ
Bikes: '08 Surly Steamroller, '07 Surly Cross Check
Honestly I'm puzzled by this. Assiduous helmet culture? What does that mean? I live in a culture/country where there is a mandatory helmet law for all cyclists, and I reckon we're pretty well-developed at this point. I'm not sure how we're less assiduous.
10-31-16 | 10:05 PM
#2419
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
Likes: 3,868
From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Yep, it definitely is turning into a classic pro/anti helmet crapfest.
If it hadn't been for the short lived detour this might not have made it past 20, but the number doesn't matter (especially since I'm now out of it), it's only a matter of time before the mods move it.
If it hadn't been for the short lived detour this might not have made it past 20, but the number doesn't matter (especially since I'm now out of it), it's only a matter of time before the mods move it.
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
10-31-16 | 10:25 PM
#2421
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39,897
Likes: 3,868
From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
Paper beers are pretty light bodied, so here's another
__________________
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
10-31-16 | 11:12 PM
#2423
Good to know no cyclist in NZ die from head injury. NZ is often noted as a land with bad law.
__________________
Land of the Free, Because of the Brave.
Land of the Free, Because of the Brave.
10-31-16 | 11:16 PM
#2424
__________________
Land of the Free, Because of the Brave.
Land of the Free, Because of the Brave.
10-31-16 | 11:29 PM
#2425
My bicycle is fixed
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,026
Likes: 2
From: Auckland, NZ
Bikes: '08 Surly Steamroller, '07 Surly Cross Check
Who makes this note about bad law land? I'll be sure to tell everyone to start listening to these people for further guidance on goodness.
In other news, clearly you've imagined that I'm taking a position on helmet use. The fact is we have a law here. My query was about the use of the word "assiduous", which seemed odd to me. I wondered what that was supposed to mean.
Further news: there are many forces in NZ who would like to see the helmet law repealed. I am among them. There's lots more news and plenty of facts to banter about, but I fear (deeply) you've already written me and land-with-bad-law NZ off. *sigh* What a welcome return to the advocacy forum.