[funetical]

Originally Posted by Industry_Hack

How many kids do you have?

By the way, I blame cooks. And chefs.

Me too.
Good ones anyhow.

I used to manage a fried chicken restaurant, and people would ask me the stupidest question like "Will that 10 piece serve two?"
I always thought to myself it's supposed to, but it won't. I'm fat for the record. At my best, 200 lbs, right now I'm 220, but then I am a chef so that just means you can trust me.

[camilo]

Originally Posted by schoolteacher001

"I'm wondering who uses them. I always do especially after my wreck, but my friend that I rode with does not then laughed at me for looking like an idiot."

People who are more concerned with how they look instead of safety are the REAL idiots. Some friend.

You may say they're idiots, but you can't deny it's a real feeling and it does cause people to avoid riding - if they THINK riding is so dangerous that one MUST wear a helmet, and they don't like the helmet, they will tend to not ride. You're thinking they are idiotic won't change that.

Actually, riding without a helmet -for whatever reason - is simply a rational and reasonable assessment of the risk.

That said, they are not idiotic for thinking that looks are "more important than safety" (safety being arguable anyway). To many people, especially women, but some men, having nice looking hair, for example, is not only important for their self image, it's important to others they work with or interact with. If wearing a helmet messes this up, it's important, period. I know that people avoid simple bicycle commutes for that very reason.

the real tragedy is not that they won't wear a helmet because of this factor, the real tragedy is that they won't ride a bike because they think it's critical to wear a helmet.

Brain washing the public into thinking that wearing a helmet is critical, is the real travesty in this case.

Originally Posted by Hardtail

I hope I have not pissed anyone off.

But kids being over weight is the by product of doing nothing but eating, txt'ing, playing video games and being on the computer 24/7.

Yes, and touting cycling as so dangerous that a kid shouldn't do it without wearing a helmet I thinkcontributes to less cycling by kids. It certainly did in my kids' cases. From what I saw in my and other kids, the way a kid looks at it:

If I have to wear a helmet to cycle, it's dangerous, and I'm afraid to do it - or at least more cautious and less enthusiastic (compared to if cycling were touted as just a free and easy fun thing to do with only reasonable caution and skill involved)

or

If I have to wear a helmet, if I can't find it, I won't cycle because I'm not supposed to

or

The helmet is dorky so I won't wear it and therefore can't ride my bike.

You may disagree, but that's the way kids think.

Plus - most kids don' even wear the helmet correctly because their parents are so stupid they think the helmet is the key, when really a poorly fitted helmet is next to worthless

It gives me immense pleasure to see kids just messing around on their bikes without helmets, because they have the right attitude: cycling is just fun, and not any more dangerous than a million of other childhood activities.

[funetical]

Originally Posted by camilo

You may say they're idiots, but you can't deny it's a real feeling and it does cause people to avoid riding - if they THINK riding is so dangerous that one MUST wear a helmet, and they don't like the helmet, they will tend to not ride. You're thinking they are idiotic won't change that.

Riding in the car is dangerous people still do it.

Originally Posted by camilo

Actually, riding without a helmet -for whatever reason - is simply a rational and reasonable assessment of the risk.

Unless made by children who lack both rationality or reason.

Originally Posted by camilo

That said, they are not idiotic for thinking that looks are "more important than safety" (safety being arguable anyway). To many people, especially women, but some men, having nice looking hair, for example, is not only important for their self image, it's important to others they work with or interact with. If wearing a helmet messes this up, it's important, period. I know that people avoid simple bicycle commutes for that very reason.

As opposed to showing up at work smelling like sweat and soaked? Seems like hair should be the least of their concerns.

Originally Posted by camilo

the real tragedy is not that they won't wear a helmet because of this factor, the real tragedy is that they won't ride a bike because they think it's critical to wear a helmet.

I see people without helmets all the time. They made the leap on their own but these people can't or won't?

Originally Posted by camilo

Brain washing the public into thinking that wearing a helmet is critical, is the real travesty in this case.

Who's doing this? The helmet mafia? Cannondale? You tell me who and I'll go beat them up!

Originally Posted by camilo

Yes, and touting cycling as so dangerous that a kid shouldn't do it without wearing a helmet I think contributes to less cycling by kids. It certainly did in my kids' cases. From what I saw in my and other kids, the way a kid looks at it:
If I have to wear a helmet to cycle, it's dangerous, and I'm afraid to do it - or at least more cautious and less enthusiastic (compared to if cycling were touted as just a free and easy fun thing to do with only reasonable caution and skill involved)

I was a kid and never thought about the danger ivolved in something till I was bleeding or unable to pedal home. It sounds as if you are instilling fear in your children. It doesn't come out of nowhere.

Originally Posted by camilo

or
If I have to wear a helmet, if I can't find it, I won't cycle because I'm not supposed to

If I can't find my keys I don't give up and call in sick. Why would your kids?

Originally Posted by camilo

or
The helmet is dorky so I won't wear it and therefore can't ride my bike.

That maybe a little.

Originally Posted by camilo

You may disagree, but that's the way kids think.

I do disagree. I'm also young enough to remember what being a kid was like while having the advantage of being a father. If my daughter is afraid, I made her that way. Kids very rarely express fears for things they don't know exist.

Originally Posted by camilo

Plus - most kids don' even wear the helmet correctly because their parents are so stupid they think the helmet is the key, when really a poorly fitted helmet is next to worthless

More than worthless, dangerous.

Originally Posted by camilo

It gives me immense pleasure to see kids just messing around on their bikes without helmets, because they have the right attitude: cycling is just fun, and not any more dangerous than a million of other childhood activities.

But more dangerous than a million more. I think you're placing the blame on something that doesn't deserve it.

[Hardtail]

Saved my ass again this month...........pics to follow!!!!!!!!

[digitalmouse]

Originally Posted by camilo:
Brain washing the public into thinking that wearing a helmet is critical, is the real travesty in this case.

Originally Posted by funetical

Who's doing this? The helmet mafia? Cannondale? You tell me who and I'll go beat them up!

unfortunately there are helmet advocates (like the Danish Cycling Federation, oddly enough) and governmental agencies around the world using advertising, faulty statistics and suspect studies to scare people into thinking helmets must be worn in order to be safe.

lots of info on the subject at Cycle Helmets: an international resource

belief that a polystyrene shell will protect the wearer from percieved inherant dangers involved in cycling, including serious head injury or even death is silly at best, and life-threatening at worst.

no amount of anecdotal "helmet saved my life" campfire stories are going to change that.

[gatorguy]

Originally Posted by digitalmouse

Originally Posted by camilo:
Brain washing the public into thinking that wearing a helmet is critical, is the real travesty in this case.



unfortunately there are helmet advocates (like the Danish Cycling Federation, oddly enough) and governmental agencies around the world using advertising, faulty statistics and suspect studies to scare people into thinking helmets must be worn in order to be safe.

lots of info on the subject at Cycle Helmets: an international resource

belief that a polystyrene shell will protect the wearer from percieved inherant dangers involved in cycling, including serious head injury or even death is silly at best, and life-threatening at worst.

no amount of anecdotal "helmet saved my life" campfire stories are going to change that.

You can believe that helmets help, or not - makes no difference to me. But please check the condescending comments at the door.

[funetical]

Originally Posted by digitalmouse

Originally Posted by camilo:
Brain washing the public into thinking that wearing a helmet is critical, is the real travesty in this case.



unfortunately there are helmet advocates (like the Danish Cycling Federation, oddly enough) and governmental agencies around the world using advertising, faulty statistics and suspect studies to scare people into thinking helmets must be worn in order to be safe.

lots of info on the subject at Cycle Helmets: an international resource

belief that a polystyrene shell will protect the wearer from percieved inherant dangers involved in cycling, including serious head injury or even death is silly at best, and life-threatening at worst.

no amount of anecdotal "helmet saved my life" campfire stories are going to change that.

Well, I guess people have to beat up.


The reality is if there is a chance that it minimizes even a laceration, it's worth it, considering the cost of health care, versus the price of a helmet.

"Campfire Stories"? It's not like I heard it from a friend of a friend. Minimizing my experience while having none that you can add in order to prove me wrong, invalidates your statement, almost entirely. It seems like there are no "I wore a helmet got in accident, Helmets don't work stories." I'm sure you can find one though, so have at it. Prove me wrong.

[Spokesman]

No, I don't wear a helmet. Never have and never will and it's got nothing to do with looking dorky. Bike helmets look smart. I just do not like wearing any head gear at all.

As I'm rather shortsighted, I'm not contadoring or cavendishing. Going rather slow, an average of 25 kmph, giving me plenty time keeping an eye on traffic.

Of course I run the the risk of having an accident but I've had bikes since 1962, when I was 12 years old. The accidents I've had can be counted on one hand and none of them cost more than a hurt shoulder or leg, no head injuries. (My wife might disagree on the last bit.) So that's a risk I'll just have to take.

And yes, I'm registered in The Danish Organ Donor Register; permitting them to take any spare parts they might find useful. They can have my brain, it's never been used.

[funetical]

Originally Posted by Spokesman

No, I don't wear a helmet. Never have and never will and it's got nothing to do with looking dorky. Bike helmets look smart. I just do not like wearing any head gear at all.

As I'm rather shortsighted, I'm not contadoring or cavendishing. Going rather slow, an average of 25 kmph, giving me plenty time keeping an eye on traffic.

Of course I run the the risk of having an accident but I've had bikes since 1962, when I was 12 years old. The accidents I've had can be counted on one hand and none of them cost more than a hurt shoulder or leg, no head injuries. (My wife might disagree on the last bit.) So that's a risk I'll just have to take.

And yes, I'm registered in The Danish Organ Donor Register; permitting them to take any spare parts they might find useful. They can have my brain, it's never been used.

I can respect that.

You don't want to. Life is about decisions, and ,making them for the right reasons. I don't want to is valid. They don't work, is not.

I'm not some sort of helmet cop, searching the lands for people that don't wear helmets to lecture them, I just believe in common sense.

[Spokesman]

Originally Posted by funetical

I can respect that.

You don't want to. Life is about decisions, and ,making them for the right reasons. I don't want to is valid. They don't work, is not.

I'm not some sort of helmet cop, searching the lands for people that don't wear helmets to lecture them, I just believe in common sense.

That's where I beg to be of a slightly different opinion. Or rather, I'm not at all convinced that some holes with a thin layer of styrofoam around them will save me from anything other than head rash or a mild concussion. But then again, I'm not about to put it to the test.

I never thought you were and I'll second the common sense bit.