Helmet?
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I finally broke down and got one for skiing this year. I hated my old bike helmet and had, I admit, stopped wearing it. I never share roads with cars, I only ride bike trails, but still it was not wise.
However, I liked my skiing helmet a lot - a black R.E.D. Trace, with I-Pod ear flaps. I saw when I got it that it could also be used for biking, skating and so on, so I bought another one - a white one (cooler in summer). I removed the vent plugs and ear flaps and now I always wear it.
However, I liked my skiing helmet a lot - a black R.E.D. Trace, with I-Pod ear flaps. I saw when I got it that it could also be used for biking, skating and so on, so I bought another one - a white one (cooler in summer). I removed the vent plugs and ear flaps and now I always wear it.
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On-trail in in-city/on-road I wear the helmet because it's more dangerous in those areas.
Through the block or suburbs though, I tend not to bother because it's really not as necessary (less traffic and whatnot).
unless you're under 14 in my state, because then you legally have to wear one.
Through the block or suburbs though, I tend not to bother because it's really not as necessary (less traffic and whatnot).
unless you're under 14 in my state, because then you legally have to wear one.
Its funny how lots of people dont wanna wear em when they are riding around town or around the block. The thing you have to remember is you may not cause yourself to crash but what happens if something fails on your bike and you have no control. When i worked at the bike shop you would be surprised how many times we saw this occur. What if your front skewer broke and you crashed. Just think bout it. I always wear mine, i feel weird without it.
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I never wore one when I was a kid. Now I purchased a helmet the same day i bought my bike and wear it every time I ride. I have become so smart in my old age, i don't want a knock on the head to drain all my intelligence and have to learn it all again. It took me a long time to learn it, I don't know if i will have enough time to relearn it all.
I remember when I was kid my dad wouldn't let me ride my bike without a helmet. Didn't matter if it was around the block or just in the driveway. I'm glad he taught me to do this as I took many hard spills over the years. I always wear my helmet....better safe than sorry!
Always
I always wear one and feel something is definitely wrong if I start out without it. Same feeling I get when I start driving and my seatbelt isn't fastened. As someone said, you may think to yourself, "I am a safe rider and am in control and won't crash", but so many things are out of your control. As for only riding on a trail being an argument for not wearing one? I have gone down twice in the past five years and one of those times was on a paved trail. I bent my fingers all the way back and needed therapy for months, punctured my leg in the upper thigh, and avoided any cranial injury due to my noggin protection. The other time I went down there was no cause other than a slight lack of concentration and alertness when I didn't see a small hole in the road hidden in the shadows. Tire went in, hands went off handlebars, started falling forward and couldn't regain control or return to upright position. Road rash. Again, helmet was scraped up, but that was it. I see people riding without them and if they are coming the other way as I ride instead of waving I point to my helmet.
I always wear one and feel something is definitely wrong if I start out without it. Same feeling I get when I start driving and my seatbelt isn't fastened. As someone said, you may think to yourself, "I am a safe rider and am in control and won't crash", but so many things are out of your control. As for only riding on a trail being an argument for not wearing one? I have gone down twice in the past five years and one of those times was on a paved trail. I bent my fingers all the way back and needed therapy for months, punctured my leg in the upper thigh, and avoided any cranial injury due to my noggin protection. The other time I went down there was no cause other than a slight lack of concentration and alertness when I didn't see a small hole in the road hidden in the shadows. Tire went in, hands went off handlebars, started falling forward and couldn't regain control or return to upright position. Road rash. Again, helmet was scraped up, but that was it. I see people riding without them and if they are coming the other way as I ride instead of waving I point to my helmet.
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If I ride on a residential area near my house where speeds are <25 mph then I don't wear a helmet as cars always see you and go on the opposite side or go really slow. If I ride anywhere else I wear a helmet.
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I hope you replaced your helmet after that first tumble, rayswrld. As I'm sure you know, helmets are only good for one crash safely, and then it's time for a new one.
I always wear mine now, just because it's a habit, which is a good thing, because it means I'm in a safe habit.
I always wear mine now, just because it's a habit, which is a good thing, because it means I'm in a safe habit.
Tarukai, yes I replaced my helmet after each incident.
Mineola24, both my incidents did not involve another bike or vehicle. Just because there are no cars around doesn't mean you can't be upended. Any number of things can cause you to lose control and fall, and if you are ineffective in controlling that fall your noggin will bounce on the pavement, which is not good for the noggin or what is inside.
It won't happen to me is not an excuse. That is the same excuse people use when talking on cell phones or texting when they drive. "I can handle it". "I am capable of multi-tasking". But in the end they aren't.
Mineola24, both my incidents did not involve another bike or vehicle. Just because there are no cars around doesn't mean you can't be upended. Any number of things can cause you to lose control and fall, and if you are ineffective in controlling that fall your noggin will bounce on the pavement, which is not good for the noggin or what is inside.
It won't happen to me is not an excuse. That is the same excuse people use when talking on cell phones or texting when they drive. "I can handle it". "I am capable of multi-tasking". But in the end they aren't.
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I mostly wear helmets. Honistly, when I am not riding out of town/racing or on the trails, I usually dont bother. Most of the time when I dont, I am on my beach cruiser or BMX. Just cruising though. I guess riding over time makes you more and more compfortable on the bike and you are less prone to accadents. And also, I have fallen so many times, I have pretty much mastered falling "right".
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Ah, you're a smart man.
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Me the same.
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As a teenager (back in the Dark Ages), helmets were basically nonexistent.
Now, I don't leave the house to ride without it, and neither do my kids.
If I ever need a reminder of the benefit of a helmet, I merely have to look at the scar on my right collarbone, the leftover of surgery to implant a stainless plate and 8 screws. Took a dead sailor, 2-point landing...helmeted head and right shoulder. Collarbone was broken in 5 places.
Now, I don't leave the house to ride without it, and neither do my kids.
If I ever need a reminder of the benefit of a helmet, I merely have to look at the scar on my right collarbone, the leftover of surgery to implant a stainless plate and 8 screws. Took a dead sailor, 2-point landing...helmeted head and right shoulder. Collarbone was broken in 5 places.
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