4 ms·

This is the OP. I'm a woman. I guess if you're an avid cyclist everyone assumes you're a man? The article is the reason why I'm done wearing a helmet. I write

This is the OP. I'm a woman. I guess if you're an avid cyclist everyone assumes you're a man? The article is the reason why I'm done wearing a helmet. I write my blog as a way to expose different viewpoints around cycling. I feel comfortable with this decision and will no longer be wearing a helmet. If they're not completely scientifically sound in your judgement, fine, keep wearing a helmet. I tried to use the data to the best of my ability, as I have a master's degree in public health. But then again, this blog is not for an academic audience, so I try not to make it too heavy. The arguments I posted are those that have swayed me. What it comes down to is this: I believe biking is an inherently safe activity, on par with driving a car and walking. When I'm biking 12-14mph on bike paths and trails, as part of my daily regular activities, I feel there is no need to wear a helmet.

brookside 11y ago
'Expose different viewpoints' seems along the lines of the 'I'm hoping to encourage a debate' line that people taking on 'hot-take' positions like to hide behind. 'I have a masters degree' is, of course, ad-hominem fallacy. It's great that you yourself 'feel' safe but the position you are advocating is not well reasoned and reckless to promote to others.
- bikinginmpls 11y ago
  Yes, I do seek to explore the experience of biking. My blog is made up of interviewing cyclists in Minneapolis to explore how they started biking and the way they experience life on two wheels, along with documenting bike events around town, and some opinion pieces. I mention that I have a degree to point out that I understand how to evaluate research, that doesn't mean that I've read and synthesized all the research out there. Many studies people point to to indicate the efficacy of helmet use are both old and flawed, newer research has been showing a trend of less efficacy. If a compelling, well done meta-analysis came out indicating an incredible beneficial effect of helmets for people who cycle casually, I would probably be swayed by that. The problem is, such research is not currently available. How is it reckless? I don't see compelling public health evidence that supports helmet use. Additionally, there is evidence that helmet use may increase other risky behaviors (like close motorist passing, and risk-taking among cyclists) and can also make the environment less conducive to cycling safety (fewer bikers on the road = more danger).
- joopxiv 11y ago
  > 'I have a masters degree' is, of course, ad-hominem fallacy. No it's not. You might argue that it's an argument from authority, which is a different thing, but in this case, I think a master's degree in public health is quite relevant. You on the other hand provide not a single argument to why you feel her position is not well reasoned and reckless.

brookside 11y ago

'Expose different viewpoints' seems along the lines of the 'I'm hoping to encourage a debate' line that people taking on 'hot-take' positions like to hide behind. 'I have a masters degree' is, of course, ad-hominem fallacy. It's great that you yourself 'feel' safe but the position you are advocating is not well reasoned and reckless to promote to others.

bikinginmpls 11y ago
Yes, I do seek to explore the experience of biking. My blog is made up of interviewing cyclists in Minneapolis to explore how they started biking and the way they experience life on two wheels, along with documenting bike events around town, and some opinion pieces. I mention that I have a degree to point out that I understand how to evaluate research, that doesn't mean that I've read and synthesized all the research out there. Many studies people point to to indicate the efficacy of helmet use are both old and flawed, newer research has been showing a trend of less efficacy. If a compelling, well done meta-analysis came out indicating an incredible beneficial effect of helmets for people who cycle casually, I would probably be swayed by that. The problem is, such research is not currently available. How is it reckless? I don't see compelling public health evidence that supports helmet use. Additionally, there is evidence that helmet use may increase other risky behaviors (like close motorist passing, and risk-taking among cyclists) and can also make the environment less conducive to cycling safety (fewer bikers on the road = more danger).
joopxiv 11y ago
> 'I have a masters degree' is, of course, ad-hominem fallacy. No it's not. You might argue that it's an argument from authority, which is a different thing, but in this case, I think a master's degree in public health is quite relevant. You on the other hand provide not a single argument to why you feel her position is not well reasoned and reckless.