View Poll Results: As a 50+'r, I wear my helmet:
Voters: 173. You may not vote on this poll
As a 50+'r, I wear my helmet:
06-03-08, 06:18 AM
#52
feros ferio
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: www.ci.encinitas.ca.us
Posts: 21,798
Bikes: 1959 Capo Modell Campagnolo; 1960 Capo Sieger (2); 1962 Carlton Franco Suisse; 1970 Peugeot UO-8; 1982 Bianchi Campione d'Italia; 1988 Schwinn Project KOM-10;
Mentioned: 44 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1393 Post(s)
Liked 1,325 Times
in
837 Posts
I think my position is well-known and shared by many serious cyclists.
1) By choice, I always wear a helmet when cycling.
2) I oppose mandatory helmet laws for adults.
3) I recommend against helmet use for those who think it will make them invincible (risk compensation).
4) I no longer wish to ride without a mirror, and I strongly prefer a helmet mounted unit over the alternatives.
1) By choice, I always wear a helmet when cycling.
2) I oppose mandatory helmet laws for adults.
3) I recommend against helmet use for those who think it will make them invincible (risk compensation).
4) I no longer wish to ride without a mirror, and I strongly prefer a helmet mounted unit over the alternatives.
__________________
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
06-03-08, 06:26 AM
#53
Hills!
I think my position is well-known and shared by many serious cyclists.
1) By choice, I always wear a helmet when cycling.
2) I oppose mandatory helmet laws for adults.
3) I recommend against helmet use for those who think it will make them invincible (risk compensation).
4) I no longer wish to ride without a mirror, and I strongly prefer a helmet mounted unit over the alternatives.
1) By choice, I always wear a helmet when cycling.
2) I oppose mandatory helmet laws for adults.
3) I recommend against helmet use for those who think it will make them invincible (risk compensation).
4) I no longer wish to ride without a mirror, and I strongly prefer a helmet mounted unit over the alternatives.
2) I oppose mandatory helmet laws for adults, if they have adequate resources/insurance to pay for their care/upkeep in the event of an accident that doesn't kill. (so that they don't become a drain on the taxpayer).
06-03-08, 06:39 AM
#54
Senior Member ??
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Englewood,Ohio
Posts: 5,098
Bikes: 2007 Trek Madone 5.0 WSD - 2007 Trek 4300 WSD - 2008 Trek 520 - 2014 Catrike Trail
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I could care less about the helmet hair. My helmet comes off when I get off the bike for a few minutes.
__________________
=============================================================
Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
-- Antonio Smith
=============================================================
Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
-- Antonio Smith
06-03-08, 06:46 AM
#55
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Posts: 254
Bikes: Co-Motion Speedster, Giant FCR2, Surly LHT, Surly Crosscheck
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Always. Because traumatic head injury would seriously limit my riding.
Cheers!
Cheers!
__________________
2008 Red Co-Motion Speedster Co-pilot (Redster)
2009 Surly LHT (captain's commuter)
2009 Surly Crosscheck (stoker's road bike)
2007 Giant FCR2W (stoker's commuter)
1980's NOS Legnano (stoker's toy)
1970's Stella rebuilt as fixed-gear (captain's toy)
2008 Red Co-Motion Speedster Co-pilot (Redster)
2009 Surly LHT (captain's commuter)
2009 Surly Crosscheck (stoker's road bike)
2007 Giant FCR2W (stoker's commuter)
1980's NOS Legnano (stoker's toy)
1970's Stella rebuilt as fixed-gear (captain's toy)
06-03-08, 06:51 AM
#56
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Fixed that response for you too.
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
06-03-08, 07:02 AM
#58
Galveston County Texas
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: In The Wind
Posts: 33,222
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
Mentioned: 19 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1350 Post(s)
Liked 1,245 Times
in
623 Posts
Bicycle riding includes three things:
FUN, FLATS, CRASHING
FUN, FLATS, CRASHING
__________________
Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
06-03-08, 07:05 AM
#59
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: St Peters, Missouri
Posts: 30,225
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1572 Post(s)
Liked 643 Times
in
364 Posts
I'm in the "most of the time" camp. I don't wear one for trips to the hardware/drugstore/convenience store or when test riding bikes in the parking lot.
The truth is that one seldom needs a helmet but it's not possible to predict when those times will come. The one time that I used my helmet seriously I was on a relaxed, easy paced road ride. I hit some loose chip and seal at the bottom of a downhill, got into one of those front end oscillation things, and went over the bar landing on my head and shoulder. It knocked me out for a couple of minutes and utterly destroyed my helmet but my wife says that I havn't been any goofer since the accident.
The truth is that one seldom needs a helmet but it's not possible to predict when those times will come. The one time that I used my helmet seriously I was on a relaxed, easy paced road ride. I hit some loose chip and seal at the bottom of a downhill, got into one of those front end oscillation things, and went over the bar landing on my head and shoulder. It knocked me out for a couple of minutes and utterly destroyed my helmet but my wife says that I havn't been any goofer since the accident.
06-03-08, 07:18 AM
#60
Pedaled too far.
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: La Petite Roche
Posts: 12,851
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
Which helmet goes best with a black tie?
__________________
"He who serves all, best serves himself" Jack London
06-03-08, 07:48 AM
#62
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
Wow, I guess I have missed 1/3 of cycling for all these years.
I knew I was doing something wrong!
I knew I was doing something wrong!
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
06-03-08, 07:49 AM
#63
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
incorrect
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
06-03-08, 07:49 AM
#64
Infamous Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Ohio
Posts: 24,360
Bikes: Surly Big Dummy, Fuji World, 80ish Bianchi
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 4 Times
in
3 Posts
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
06-03-08, 09:19 AM
#65
Master of the Universe
Two years ago I did a nose dive over the handle bars at very low speed. Spent 3.5 hours in the emergency room. Split my lip wide open inside and out, concusion and a neck injury.Also knocked out a tooth.Six weeks of physical therapy for my neck and headaches. I was wearing my helmet and it was cracked down the middle.. My opinion is without the helmet it would have been worse.It does not matter if you are going fast. You can crack your head open falling from forgetting to clip out.A 50+ body does not heal like 20+.MY wife says I was goofier than usual for about a month.I was off the bike for two months, and when you live in the upper midwest that sucks to lose the riding time.
__________________
06-03-08, 09:29 AM
#66
Pedaled too far.
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: La Petite Roche
Posts: 12,851
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
The helmet as weapon. That almost demands a thread of it's own.
I suspect that most helmets are too light to be used effectively with a trebuchet, but you could strap one to a TOW missile I suppose. Stick one on a battering ram?
I suspect that most helmets are too light to be used effectively with a trebuchet, but you could strap one to a TOW missile I suppose. Stick one on a battering ram?
__________________
"He who serves all, best serves himself" Jack London
06-03-08, 10:31 AM
#67
The Improbable Bulk
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wilkes-Barre, PA
Posts: 8,379
Bikes: Many
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
I voted "most of the time" because even though I do almost alway try to wear my helmet, I don't cancel a ride if I forgot my helmet at home and I drove to a ride site. If it is a short drive, and it isn't close to dark I have even been known to drive home to pick it up...
But I do rarely ride without one, and I don't panic about it when I do so, therefore "always" isn't quite right.
But I do rarely ride without one, and I don't panic about it when I do so, therefore "always" isn't quite right.
__________________
Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
06-03-08, 10:39 AM
#68
The Improbable Bulk
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wilkes-Barre, PA
Posts: 8,379
Bikes: Many
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
Sometimes the imposition of safety equipment is not beneficial from a safety perspective. For example, I have heard that anti-lock brake systems are statistically no safer, and the reason seems to be that a certain percentage of drivers with ABS drive more agressively because they feel they can due to the increased braking efficiency...
__________________
Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
06-03-08, 10:43 AM
#69
VoodooChile
Join Date: May 2008
Location: AZ
Posts: 1,048
Bikes: Salsa Casseroll
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
All of the evidence, whether empirical or anecdotal seems to indicate that using a helmet can prevent, or at least mitigate brain injury from trauma. Why would you not? Even if they only help a little, isn't that enough?
https://www.helmets.org/stats.htm
https://www.neuroskills.com/tbi/cdcbikeprevent.shtml
https://www.helmets.org/stats.htm
https://www.neuroskills.com/tbi/cdcbikeprevent.shtml
06-03-08, 11:10 AM
#70
Hills!
My wife just told me about a 12 year old girl that had a bike accident a few days ago. She was just riding up the street to go to the pool. No helmet.
After the accident she began having seizures... went to hospital and has a fractured skull, etc.
Like motorcyclists say about wearing protective gear, "I'd rather sweat than bleed," I believe I'll just wear my helmet.
Of course, being in the 50+ forum I can remember when I didn't wear a helmet to ride. I can also remember cars before there were seat belts, hauling kids before there were child carriers, etc. And gas at 17 cents a gallon.
After the accident she began having seizures... went to hospital and has a fractured skull, etc.
Like motorcyclists say about wearing protective gear, "I'd rather sweat than bleed," I believe I'll just wear my helmet.
Of course, being in the 50+ forum I can remember when I didn't wear a helmet to ride. I can also remember cars before there were seat belts, hauling kids before there were child carriers, etc. And gas at 17 cents a gallon.
06-03-08, 11:20 AM
#71
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Oley, PA
Posts: 880
Bikes: Flat bar road bike, trail bike and MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
"I don't wear a helmet unless an event requires it. "
I'm with chipcom on this one. Also rode in some events that required, without. Really not sure what they could do about it. Riding on public roads. Life is a risk, I suspect driving a car is my #1 risk. Before riding a bike, my #1 risk was sitting on couch and not exercising. Been using a chain saw lately, not sure where that falls on list of risks. Was more concerned about the branches falling on me then the spinning teeth. Actually on the rare occasions I think about protection, I usually conclude that to do it right, I need full BMX elbow and knee pads and full face BMX helmet.
I'm with chipcom on this one. Also rode in some events that required, without. Really not sure what they could do about it. Riding on public roads. Life is a risk, I suspect driving a car is my #1 risk. Before riding a bike, my #1 risk was sitting on couch and not exercising. Been using a chain saw lately, not sure where that falls on list of risks. Was more concerned about the branches falling on me then the spinning teeth. Actually on the rare occasions I think about protection, I usually conclude that to do it right, I need full BMX elbow and knee pads and full face BMX helmet.
__________________
BierHaus Bertolette Road Bike, built 2007
BierHaus SRT Trail Bike, built 2010
Fuji Mt. Pro - 2007
BierHaus Bertolette Road Bike, built 2007
BierHaus SRT Trail Bike, built 2010
Fuji Mt. Pro - 2007
06-03-08, 11:42 AM
#72
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Springfield, MA
Posts: 361
Bikes: Specialized Allez Elite
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Helmet on every ride. After two falls, it made me even more of a believer in them.
06-03-08, 12:55 PM
#73
Banned.
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2001
Posts: 20,917
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
10 Posts
CONFESSION TIME:
Today, I drove to a trailhead to meet a friend for a 30 mile ride. Bike and everything loaded in the van.
Oops!
No helmet.
So, I did the 30 mile ride without a helmet - just a cap, and I regret to inform you that I did NOT survive.
Today, I drove to a trailhead to meet a friend for a 30 mile ride. Bike and everything loaded in the van.
Oops!
No helmet.
So, I did the 30 mile ride without a helmet - just a cap, and I regret to inform you that I did NOT survive.
06-03-08, 01:03 PM
#74
Senior Member ??
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Englewood,Ohio
Posts: 5,098
Bikes: 2007 Trek Madone 5.0 WSD - 2007 Trek 4300 WSD - 2008 Trek 520 - 2014 Catrike Trail
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally Posted by guybierhaus;6810666
[B
[B
I'm with chipcom on this one. Also rode in some events that required, without. Really not sure what they could do about it. [/B]
__________________
=============================================================
Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
-- Antonio Smith
=============================================================
Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.
-- Antonio Smith
06-03-08, 01:03 PM
#75
The Improbable Bulk
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wilkes-Barre, PA
Posts: 8,379
Bikes: Many
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
7 Posts
You will be missed!
__________________
Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Slow Ride Cyclists of NEPA
People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of character.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson