The alternative 'helmet debate'
Discussion
Not the usual one where we 'debate' the relative merits of wearing or not wearing a helmet before the thread quickly descends into arguing, name calling, threats of actual bodily harm and someone invoking Godwin's Law, before being locked.
This is a different question.
In London, though I'm sure it happens elsewhere, I see people who've bothered themselves to go out and buy a helmet, presumably trying on several before settling on the one which is the correct fit, style and budget, and then ride along with it strapped to their rucksack. Or in the basket of their Boris Bike.
I just don't get it. I can only assume they don't want it to mess up their hair, but then why bother to buy one in the first place? Maybe they only put it on for bits of their journey they believe to be 'dangerous'.
I wouldn't say it's commonplace exactly, but I see one or two examples a week.
This is a different question.
In London, though I'm sure it happens elsewhere, I see people who've bothered themselves to go out and buy a helmet, presumably trying on several before settling on the one which is the correct fit, style and budget, and then ride along with it strapped to their rucksack. Or in the basket of their Boris Bike.
I just don't get it. I can only assume they don't want it to mess up their hair, but then why bother to buy one in the first place? Maybe they only put it on for bits of their journey they believe to be 'dangerous'.
I wouldn't say it's commonplace exactly, but I see one or two examples a week.
I might be thinking this through too hard but here goes...
...they have a husband/wife/partner/parent/etc who has insisted that they should wear one, and they've even been bought a helmet against their will. So they carry it, and possibly wear it for the first/last 100 yards or so of their journey.
?
The only time I've seen the same local to me is youngsters on BMXs or DH MTBs with full-face lids swinging from the handlebars, and in their case it makes sense. Their ride to/from their chosen location is benign, usually slow and on pavements etc. Their lids are pretty grim to wear in the heat, but they need them on some of the shocking (to this grumpy old git) jumps they throw themselves down. Travelling to or from that location, the benefits are not so clear cut.
...they have a husband/wife/partner/parent/etc who has insisted that they should wear one, and they've even been bought a helmet against their will. So they carry it, and possibly wear it for the first/last 100 yards or so of their journey.
?
The only time I've seen the same local to me is youngsters on BMXs or DH MTBs with full-face lids swinging from the handlebars, and in their case it makes sense. Their ride to/from their chosen location is benign, usually slow and on pavements etc. Their lids are pretty grim to wear in the heat, but they need them on some of the shocking (to this grumpy old git) jumps they throw themselves down. Travelling to or from that location, the benefits are not so clear cut.
944fan said:
Worse are the ones who have got a helmet but it is so badly fitting and adjusted that it perches loosely on top of their bonce providing little protection or even chance of it staying on in an accident.
Now, now! You leave my 'Minions' helmet out of this, you!I bought it in the biggest size they had, FFS!
I don't know about cycling helmets, but when I lived in France in the early Eighties, the law said that everyone riding a moped had to wear a helmet.
The law was amended shortly before we left to add the words "on their heads", as there had been too many accidents caused by people riding along with a crash helmet hanging off their elbow!
The law was amended shortly before we left to add the words "on their heads", as there had been too many accidents caused by people riding along with a crash helmet hanging off their elbow!
Kermit power said:
I don't know about cycling helmets, but when I lived in France in the early Eighties, the law said that everyone riding a moped had to wear a helmet.
The law was amended shortly before we left to add the words "on their heads", as there had been too many accidents caused by people riding along with a crash helmet hanging off their elbow!
The law was amended shortly before we left to add the words "on their heads", as there had been too many accidents caused by people riding along with a crash helmet hanging off their elbow!
addey said:
I saw a lady cycling along this week with her helmet on back-to-front. She didn't look at all confident on the bike and was wobbling around in traffic
I see that worryingly often in Oxford. I would guess about once a month I see someone with a helmet on back to front. Having accidentally tried to put mine on the wrong way (lack of concentration and an early start to get to work) I don't know how they keep it on for more than two seconds. I would guess a big reason for carrying the helmet is what other people say. I have had disagreements with a few people at work when I have not worn a helmet. When it is very warm I wear a hat. I find a helmet too warm and a hat keeps the sun out of my eyes and I can spray water on it to keep myself cool, so I feel much safer. People give me a lecture on how cyclists should wear helmets. Every time I have to point out its not a legal requirement and I feel safer keeping cool and comfortable than being distracted by a hot sweaty helmet. (What I want to say is "more chance of you dieing of a heart attack from not doing exercise than me exercising without a helmet). I can see why people would carry one to stop these t
ts lecturing them.The ones with straps undone does confuse me.
Edited by SteveSteveson on Saturday 11th June 09:07
I rode to the café the other day without a helmet and it felt great....just like when we were kids! All cycle paths and a couple of minor roads before the helmet police jump on. Perhaps they're putting them on when they get to a busy road?
Edited by TSCfree on Saturday 11th June 09:30
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