3 ms·

First, and quite anecdotally, I have never once in some fifty-odd years of cycling been even remotely close to a situation of "yeah, I could really have done wi

First, and quite anecdotally, I have never once in some fifty-odd years of cycling been even remotely close to a situation of "yeah, I could really have done with a helmet there". Fifty-odd of course does indicate that I'm of a generation less accustomed to safety symbolism in all aspects of life, I'll grant you that. Second, I enjoy my bike and use it more or less daily. I wouldn't - neither use nor enjoy - if I were forced into donning some strange kind of hard hat that I didn't wish to don. I like my choices to be my own. The helmet still is a choice where I live, but I clearly see that changing within not too many years. And anyone I see wearing a helmet is casting a vote in that direction. They are - and should be, of course - free to do so, but please don't preach the other way at me. Third: I have worked as a professional driver of both trucks and buses. My very clear experience is that the most dangerous cyclists are often among the ones decked out in full safety regalia. It's as if some people feel that having paid their dues and performed the ritual, they are thereby exempt from risk. Strange phenomenon, but all too real. Yes, I also detest airbags. But wear my seatbelt religiously.

KozmoNau7 8y ago
In ~25 years of cycling, I've been in two situations where a helmet most likely saved me from severe concussion and probably a fractured skull. Neither accident was solely my fault. A bicycle helmet is not "safety symbolism", it has verifiable benefits in reducing the severity of head injuries. Your phrasing and choice of words seem to suggest that people should just "harden up" and "things were better in the old days", which is a highly problematic position to take, one which smacks of rose-tinted glasses. By your reasoning, motorcycle helmets and protective clothing is also pointless. After all, I've had no accidents in ~10 years of motorcycling, so the safety gear must be completely pointless? Nevertheless, I would never get on a motorcycle without proper gear, because I've seen the damage that can happen. I've also seen the head trauma that can happen in a bicycle crash, so I wear a helmet. I'm not sure why you think people wearing helmets are casting votes for mandatory helmet laws. I'm certainly not a proponent of such laws, but I am very much a proponent of wearing a helmet, in order to reduce the severity of injuries. I am certain the vast majority of helmet wearers agree with me, we put on the helmet by choice, not because we want to force others to do the same. The most dangerous cyclists are the ones constantly on their phones and/or with loud music in their ears. Same as car/truck drivers. The hardcore lycra-clad cyclists go rather fast, but they're also highly aware of their surroundings. Your experience from the limited visibility of a truck driver's seat is leading you to false conclusions.

KozmoNau7 8y ago

In ~25 years of cycling, I've been in two situations where a helmet most likely saved me from severe concussion and probably a fractured skull. Neither accident was solely my fault. A bicycle helmet is not "safety symbolism", it has verifiable benefits in reducing the severity of head injuries. Your phrasing and choice of words seem to suggest that people should just "harden up" and "things were better in the old days", which is a highly problematic position to take, one which smacks of rose-tinted glasses. By your reasoning, motorcycle helmets and protective clothing is also pointless. After all, I've had no accidents in ~10 years of motorcycling, so the safety gear must be completely pointless? Nevertheless, I would never get on a motorcycle without proper gear, because I've seen the damage that can happen. I've also seen the head trauma that can happen in a bicycle crash, so I wear a helmet. I'm not sure why you think people wearing helmets are casting votes for mandatory helmet laws. I'm certainly not a proponent of such laws, but I am very much a proponent of wearing a helmet, in order to reduce the severity of injuries. I am certain the vast majority of helmet wearers agree with me, we put on the helmet by choice, not because we want to force others to do the same. The most dangerous cyclists are the ones constantly on their phones and/or with loud music in their ears. Same as car/truck drivers. The hardcore lycra-clad cyclists go rather fast, but they're also highly aware of their surroundings. Your experience from the limited visibility of a truck driver's seat is leading you to false conclusions.