Wrongheaded - taking a stand against helmet compulsion

EdinburghFixed

+1

In fact, to bring it back to the point once again... nobody has died cycling in Northern Ireland since 2008 and no child since 2005.

There are lots of things more important to worry about than cycle helmets. I sometimes get the impression that people take perverted enjoyment out of the idea that cycling is big and brave and dangerous, and have to talk up the fear and put down the reality to keep that sad attitude afloat.

When you realise that we're now into our sixth year *without ANY deaths* the idea that helmets should be top of the list (or even on the list) for children is laughable. Especially when going on 2/3rds are heading for the morbidly obese pile... won't anybody think of the children? :roll:

Eskimo427

Where do I sign for the Mandatory Wearing of Helmets?

I think it should be law and if your that stupid\pathetic\arrogant to give up cycling because your told to wear one then your an idiot!

When the mandatory wearing of seat belts came in people didn't suddenly stop driving cars; when the mandatory law of people wear motorbike helmets came in people didn't suddenly stop ride motorbikes. Surely if an item of gear has ANY effect on less'ning the possible harm done by a fall off a bike it has to be a good thing!

All those people who say they've fallen off their bikes and not bumped their heads, your argument is ridiculous. I've been driving for 22yrs and never crashed a car, however I still wear a seat belt!

Surely anything which promotes safety should be applauded not boo'd!

northstar

I think you need to do some research before making sweeping generalisations like you have done.

Eskimo427

northstar wrote:

I think you need to do some research before making sweeping generalisations like you have done.

e.g. ?

Mike67

Eskimo427 wrote:

Surely if an item of gear has ANY effect on less'ning the possible harm done by a fall off a bike it has to be a good thing!

Bubble wrap jerseys and shorts anyone?

I wouldn't take it that far but that's the point.

Some people don't wear helmets because they don't consider the risk great enough.
Some people would never ride a bike on the road regardless of safety gear as they consider it too 'dangerous'
Some wear a helmet but never wear hi viz/reflective clothing.
Some fit one light, others half a dozen.

It's a question of where the line is drawn and for me making it illegal not to wear a helmet is a step too far.
I do, however, always wear one but have occasionally forgotten and only realised a mile or so down the road. I'd be well miffed if I got fined for that.

Tom Butcher

Eskimo427 wrote:

Where do I sign for the Mandatory Wearing of Helmets?

Interesting use of capitals. I don't think there is anything to sign to be honest - best just lead by example by wearing yours at all times.

northstar

Eskimo427 wrote:

northstar wrote:

I think you need to do some research before making sweeping generalisations like you have done.

e.g. ?

Surely if an item of gear has ANY effect on less'ning the possible harm done by a fall off a bike it has to be a good thing!

I do believe it can have effect on reducing injuries but i've read cases where it has caused injuries - rotational being one, poorly fitted helmets - only the other day I saw at least 3 wonky helmets which could probably cause more problems than it solves with regard to neck injuries - but then of course I do see well fitted helmets too.

All those people who say they've fallen off their bikes and not bumped their heads, your argument is ridiculous

I've fallen off two of my bikes 3 times and bumped my head - twice in one day ironically - hit my head on the ground - I'm not going to deny it hurt - but not a lot tbh - a bit sore but I just picked myself up and carried on and felt fine.

Both those times I must point out it was me that caused me to fall (on black ice) - no other vehicle was involved and it was on pavement. I fell on the side of my head - which I doubt a helmet would have helped me - in fact I think it MIGHT have made things worse with regard to my neck.

I do actually own a helmet - mtb one and have worn it twice - once mtbing at Newlands Corner with friends & the 2nd on a charity ride where it was compulsory - for two reasons:

1. it is very "natural" terrain and unforgiving if you make a mistake etc.

2. I was with friends and if anything I don't want to have them picking me up/ruining their day etc etc.

In summary I prefer to rely on defensive riding and my ability/skill (been riding bikes since I was 5) - helmet riders of course i've seen ride defensive too but I see more defensive riding from non helmet wearers than helmet wearers.

So it was just one sweeping statement you made but one I feel worth debating.

As long as people have a choice I couldn't care whether people do or not.

http://www.cyclehelmets.org/ is quite worth a read, it's been posted here many a time before.

Poacher

@Eskimo427
You might also take a look at http://www.chapmancentral.co.uk/wiki/Why-helmets to read how a former compulsionist came to see the light.

You might also care to think about how calling experienced cyclists with rather better developed thought processes and command of the English language "idiots" doesn't help your cause.