adamhenry

Of all the strange behavior I see from people, it never occurred to me to become obsessed over why a cyclist left his helmet on.

Trakhak

The period from the mid-1960s to the mid-2010s was the only period in recent history in which people in the USA went around bare-headed. The permanent helmet is the beginning of the swing back to normalcy.

NYMXer

I often leave my helmet on, mostly because I don't realize that I am wearing one. I am also glad that other people leave their helmet on, otherwise...... I might not recognize them!

Whenever I enter a building, the helmet comes off but if I stay outdoors, my thoughts are usually not about the helmet.

Daniel4

I wonder the same thing about people who wear cowboy hats in a restaurant- or anywhere without a horse in sight.

bobwysiwyg

Same goes for those who insist on wearing their baseball cap everywhere, including restaurants, etc. Perhaps balding??

Nermal

If it's on your head, people can't use it as an ashtray.

sarahbruce

I'm with ya on this one INDYFABZ! I see it the most in the grocery store. They will be walking around for 20+ minutes and have their helmet on the whole time they are shopping. I wouldn't say it bothers me, but I have definitely noticed, and wondered what was going on.

The people replying that they forget that their helmet is on, kinda weird me out too. How is that possible? I have a very comfy helmet, that is well ventilated when riding, but I am always aware of it.

For me, the biggest reason to take my helmet off when stopped somewhere, is the chance for some sweat to evaporate. Any chances I can get to let the pads of the helmet dry, and my head to dry, are welcomed.

Bruce

FullGas

depending upon the duration of the stop, I leave it on or take it off.

don't have rigid thresholds for the amount of time involved tho.

but, now that I know it irritates some people to leave it on, will probably not take it off quite as quickly.

regardless, it's not as dork as leaving one's turn signal on for half an hour...

adamhenry

I wear a ball cap everywhere. If I didn't feel comfortable wearing my cap into a place, I wouldn't feel comfortable there anyway. I am far from bald and have a ponytail down to the middle of my back.

Z953

I leave mine on during my rests because I don't want to put on a cold, wet, gross feeling helmet back on when my head's still hot.

jefnvk

I'm far from balding, and I wear my hat most places, albeit with the bill turned backwards inside. Take a look at the avatar if you need convincing on the hair. It is an article of clothing. Would you expect me to take my shirt off when I enter a building?

Well, ask him then? Don't think anyone else can speak as to why he keeps his helmet on.

Maelochs

I very, very rarely take my helmet off .... the shelf.

SquidPuppet

"Freds" are inferior, right? I just want to be sure about that.

79pmooney

A good reason to wear the helmet while not riding. (Also applies to cowboy hats and baseball caps. And cycling caps.) For the visor in bright sunlight. For some of us who have to wear glasses, often a big help. Also good in the rain. In other words, anytime outdoors when it is not cloudy and dry.

Ben

snafu22

It used to be considered rude for men to wear hats indoors. No idea why.

canklecat

In the sun my white helmet reflects more light than my hair, which is still fairly dark despite the gray. With a bandanna between the head and helmet and the vents it's actually pretty comfortable.

But I usually do take it off during most stops. Besides looking dorky, some folks think my front helmet light is a video camera and it makes them uncomfortable. And occasionally I do wear a camera on the helmet. I try to be sure it's turned off when just chatting with folks off the bike, but I'll usually remove the helmet so folks don't feel self conscious or like they're being surreptitiously photographed.

Maelochs

never been in the situation but if I were shopping ... where would I put the helmet? I could hang it from the cart if I used one, but usually I take a plastic basket, which would be more than one-third full (and thus one-third useless) if I put my helmet in it ... not to mention not wanting to get stale sweat and hair oil on my fruits and veggies.

SHBR

Some people have to "look the part".
Reminds me of an EMT that wore his uniform almost everywhere.
Many people define themselves based solely on appearances.

02Giant 

First World problem.

TimothyH

Better threads than this have been closed.


-Tim-

DrIsotope

A common theme I'm noticing in this thread is one of the "stinky, sweaty helmet." Is this really a thing? My helmet has three little padded fabric bits in it, which are removable and get washed once a week. The rest of the helmet is hard foam and plastic. Even if I'm really sweating on a ride, it's not like the helmet is filling up with sweat like a bucket. My helmet has no sweat-induced odor whatsoever. I clean the outside of it with automotive quick detailer, so it generally smells like that.

Is it a hair thing? I started shaving my head long before I got into cycling, so I have no basis for comparison. Do folks with full heads of hair stink up their helmets? Inquiring minds, and all.

linberl

I leave mine on in the grocery store because otherwise I'm carrying bags+helmet+phone w/ grocery list. I rarely take a cart, just grab a hand basket. I unclip the strap and just leave it on. On the rare occasion I take a cart, it goes in the top pop out section. I would never leave it hanging on the bike because some jerk would do something to it. Same reason I remove my bike computer, phone mount and lights. I also leave it on if I am outside because it has a nice brim which blocks the sun. I always remove it for restaurants, though. Fortunately my favorite pizza place has a "ride up" window so I don't have to go inside for a slice but I do hang it on the bars while I eat.

Lazyass

I see some people who put on their left sock before they put the right one on. Why is this? Why?

mrodgers

For mine it is the strap at the temple. The padded fabric bits I can remove and wash. The strap can't be removed and that is what stinks. I try to hold it between my fingers with the weight of the helmet doing what it can to prevent me having a good grip inbetween my fingers and use laundry soap with a toothbrush to clean the strap. Mine is just a $20 Bell, but I've looked at the expensive stuff and none I've seen have removable straps for easy cleaning.

Some people don't sweat a lot. I sweat when it's 35° out and I'm riding. I have bucketloads coming off my head down the sides of my face getting soaked up into the straps.

ClydeTim

I place hot water with a little soap of choice in the restroom sink. I place my helmet over the sink and let the straps hang down in the water to soak. Later I rinse them off and wring the dirt/sweat out of the straps. Works pretty good and the soap leaves a decent smell on them.