View Poll Results: What Are Your Helmet Wearing Habits?
I've never worn a bike helmet
52
10.40%
I used to wear a helmet, but have stopped
24
4.80%
I've always worn a helmet
208
41.60%
I didn't wear a helmet, but now do
126
25.20%
I sometimes wear a helmet depending on the conditions
90
18.00%
Voters: 500. You may not vote on this poll
The Helmet Thread 2
#3851
Full Member
Look up the definition of "everything". You will clearly be surprised by its meaning.
Again, go find whatever chemical you need to ingest to restore your brain's function.
We're done here. If you cannot even be remotely honest and, at least, own the garbage you just posted, there's no point in me continuing to educate you.
As entertaining as your continued embarrassing ignorance is, I already explained to you that the statistics in question are from the NHTSA. Links that site have also been provided, in case you are not even capable of googling it, or even guessing the appropriate address.
If you are seriously doubting the accuracy of those statistics, you are only broadcasting that you haven't done even the most basic step in understanding this discussion, which is both unsurprising and pathetic.
Again, go find whatever chemical you need to ingest to restore your brain's function.
If you are seriously doubting the accuracy of those statistics, you are only broadcasting that you haven't done even the most basic step in understanding this discussion, which is both unsurprising and pathetic.
#3852
Clark W. Griswold
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So you are unaware that there are about 70M youth cyclists in the US, and only about 50M adults? How can that situation exist, if kids are not stopping once they become adults?
You might should consider reading the article, before embarrassing yourself further. Also, fivethirtyeight is a highly respected outlet -- I'm not surprised that you are unaware of this, unfortunately.
Could you be any less informed, if you actually tried to be?
Why then can no such signal be identified in the relevant statistics?
Why then does that precise situation exist in the relevant statistics?
This is embarrassing even by your low standard. The referenced article was with respect to why people do not ride, with the answer being fear. And the statistics are available from the NHTSA -- which everyone capable of participating in this discussion already knows.
As previously explained, in some cases, yes -- specifically, when the bare head does not contact anything in the same situation where a helmet does. This is not hard to comprehend.
That said, this is not the question. The question is, does a dainty little plastic hat offer any protection in this, or any other, scenario? And the relevant statistics say "No".
Cigarettes still exist, and they sure as hell don't protect anyone. Very few items that can be profitably sold cease to exist.
Again, stop wasting my time. I already explained many times in many posts that helmets can be made that are useful. If you cannot understand the discussion, I invite you to discontinue here.
If the quality of your comments does not improve, you will not receive any more responses from me.
You might should consider reading the article, before embarrassing yourself further. Also, fivethirtyeight is a highly respected outlet -- I'm not surprised that you are unaware of this, unfortunately.
Could you be any less informed, if you actually tried to be?
Why then can no such signal be identified in the relevant statistics?
Why then does that precise situation exist in the relevant statistics?
This is embarrassing even by your low standard. The referenced article was with respect to why people do not ride, with the answer being fear. And the statistics are available from the NHTSA -- which everyone capable of participating in this discussion already knows.
As previously explained, in some cases, yes -- specifically, when the bare head does not contact anything in the same situation where a helmet does. This is not hard to comprehend.
That said, this is not the question. The question is, does a dainty little plastic hat offer any protection in this, or any other, scenario? And the relevant statistics say "No".
Cigarettes still exist, and they sure as hell don't protect anyone. Very few items that can be profitably sold cease to exist.
Again, stop wasting my time. I already explained many times in many posts that helmets can be made that are useful. If you cannot understand the discussion, I invite you to discontinue here.
If the quality of your comments does not improve, you will not receive any more responses from me.
I did read the article it is not a peer reviewed study and DOESN'T MENTION HELMETS. You are arguing about helmets and your single piece of info and evidence is an article not about what you are arguing about. It is about women not cycling but is unrelated to helmets. Distracted driving is not related to helmets.
Yes cigarettes still exist that was not the point, the point was science and knowledge has moved on from back in the day.
A dainty plastic hat? What is this dainty plastic hat? A helmet is different, usually will have a plastic shell covering foam designed specifically for impacts it is not dainty having hit them with sledgehammers they can be quite resilient taking a few good hits before they are quite damaged. They are also designed for impacts specifically and rigorously tested especially those from quality manufacturers but for some reason that eludes you.
Wait you won't respond to me anymore, oh no. You have no real arguments or data to back up your opinion so I can understand repeating plastic over and over is getting hard for you. I mean I would give up if I had no real argument. If you want to give up go for it I won't be sad and if you want to continue go for it.
#3853
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OK, you've convinced me. If I wear a helmet I'll die on the bike. Or is that off the bike?
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#3854
Full Member
This is actually a serious topic, and one that effects everyone who rides in public. It is likely beyond your comprehension, as you demonstrated, but given that it is germane to the forum charter, perhaps you can ruminate on Twain's advice regarding fools and silence before continuing to waste our time?
#3855
Clark W. Griswold
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Look up the definition of "everything". You will clearly be surprised by its meaning.
Again, go find whatever chemical you need to ingest to restore your brain's function.
We're done here. If you cannot even be remotely honest and, at least, own the garbage you just posted, there's no point in me continuing to educate you.
As entertaining as your continued embarrassing ignorance is, I already explained to you that the statistics in question are from the NHTSA. Links that site have also been provided, in case you are not even capable of googling it, or even guessing the appropriate address.
If you are seriously doubting the accuracy of those statistics, you are only broadcasting that you haven't done even the most basic step in understanding this discussion, which is both unsurprising and pathetic.
Again, go find whatever chemical you need to ingest to restore your brain's function.
We're done here. If you cannot even be remotely honest and, at least, own the garbage you just posted, there's no point in me continuing to educate you.
As entertaining as your continued embarrassing ignorance is, I already explained to you that the statistics in question are from the NHTSA. Links that site have also been provided, in case you are not even capable of googling it, or even guessing the appropriate address.
If you are seriously doubting the accuracy of those statistics, you are only broadcasting that you haven't done even the most basic step in understanding this discussion, which is both unsurprising and pathetic.
I don't need chemicals or drugs that sounds like a you thing that you are trying to put on me because you feel guilty about it. I was making a joke about brakes and lights you took it as something truly serious.
You haven't linked to anything from the NHTSA, if it is so easy to find and that is now what you are using to back up your poor argument you can link to it. I don't need to go looking for it. I am not making the argument that a helmet is unsafe. Nobody is, you are the only one. I always find when people have to say "google it" they have long ago lost. If you have peer reviewed studies to back up that a helmet is unsafe then you would have posted them and promoted them. You wouldn't be just harping on chemicals and plastic as you have done.
You are holding a position that nobody else is holding but you cannot back it up. It is like being the last sniper in the tower with the allies surrounding you and you are shouting "bang" at them and saying "I just shot you with the rifle I have here, you have to lay down and die" and not actually shooting them or even seeming to have said rifle.
#3856
Clark W. Griswold
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To those who may not understand this is a joke. I am laughing while writing this and you should to. Have some fun in life.
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#3857
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This is actually a serious topic, and one that effects everyone who rides in public. It is likely beyond your comprehension, as you demonstrated, but given that it is germane to the forum charter, perhaps you can ruminate on Twain's advice regarding fools and silence before continuing to waste our time?
#3858
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I've often thought that a professor teaching a course in logical reasoning would do well to assign students the task of reading through this thread. Plenty of failures of logic in various flavors, all invariably expressed with great vehemence.
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#3859
Full Member
Wow, you are a lot less intelligent than I thought.
A helmet is different, usually will have a plastic shell covering foam designed specifically for impacts it is not dainty having hit them with sledgehammers they can be quite resilient taking a few good hits before they are quite damaged. They are also designed for impacts specifically and rigorously tested especially those from quality manufacturers but for some reason that eludes you.
https://www.bicycling.com/news/a2193...elmet-ratings/
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...-flaws-n886691
https://www.forbes.com/sites/carlton...h=1e2ab851cbd4
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/2211...accounts-head/
https://www.evo.com/guides/virginia-tech-helmet-ratings
And the market is full of untested helmets, as well.
https://www.consumerreports.org/bike...ely-available/
Have you ever even read one single article on the topic of bicycle helmets? It is difficult for me to imagine how clueless you are on this topic, while still seemingly being interested in it.
Wait you won't respond to me anymore, oh no. You have no real arguments or data to back up your opinion so I can understand repeating plastic over and over is getting hard for you. I mean I would give up if I had no real argument. If you want to give up go for it I won't be sad and if you want to continue go for it.
#3860
Full Member
Did you want to give that a try smarty, or do you plan to stick with wasting everyone's time on nonsense?
#3861
Full Member
That was your statement. I was forced to educate you by listing many of the items "out there" which are not harder than your head.
I will make you a deal -- if I do your homework for you, and prove this, will you be an honest person -- for the first time -- and admit that you are wrong?
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#3863
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Absurd can be fun! Come back tomorrow after 5 o'clock somewhere.
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#3864
Clark W. Griswold
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Wow, you are really not smart.
That was your statement. I was forced to educate you by listing many of the items "out there" which are not harder than your head.
Ah, the infamous "I got caught making a completely stupid remark, so I will pretend it was a joke" defense. That's novel.
I will make you a deal -- if I do your homework for you, and prove this, will you be an honest person -- for the first time -- and admit that you are wrong?
That was your statement. I was forced to educate you by listing many of the items "out there" which are not harder than your head.
Ah, the infamous "I got caught making a completely stupid remark, so I will pretend it was a joke" defense. That's novel.
I will make you a deal -- if I do your homework for you, and prove this, will you be an honest person -- for the first time -- and admit that you are wrong?
You said you don't drink coffee. Consider starting, or trying something to assist with your reading comprehension skills, which are grade-school level. The point is that the perceived danger of cycling is what stops many from riding.
You obviously didn't read it, nor were you familiar with the source. Again, the point is that the perceived danger of cycling is what stops many from riding. Try to keep up.
You are confusing yourself. You questioned why helmets still exist, if they do not keep people safe. I explained that many products which do not keep people safe remain on sale. Now you are claiming that "science and knowledge has moved on" -- which means you are now agreeing with me, and realize that the outdated belief in bicycle helmet efficiency should have disappeared by now, and so it's legitimate to wonder why they are even still available to purchase. Are you now agreeing with me or have you simply been trolling this entire time?
Wow, you are a lot less intelligent than I thought.
As a matter of fact, bicycle helmet testing standards are a huge part of the problem. But you didn't know that either, because you are basically a troll, and completely without knowledge on the topic at-hand.
https://www.bicycling.com/news/a2193...elmet-ratings/
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...-flaws-n886691
https://www.forbes.com/sites/carlton...h=1e2ab851cbd4
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/2211...accounts-head/
https://www.evo.com/guides/virginia-tech-helmet-ratings
And the market is full of untested helmets, as well.
https://www.consumerreports.org/bike...ely-available/
Have you ever even read one single article on the topic of bicycle helmets? It is difficult for me to imagine how clueless you are on this topic, while still seemingly being interested in it.
Be careful what you wish for. I can go on illustrating your incompetence on this topic for literally days, and you might wind up permanently scarred like shelbyfv.
You obviously didn't read it, nor were you familiar with the source. Again, the point is that the perceived danger of cycling is what stops many from riding. Try to keep up.
You are confusing yourself. You questioned why helmets still exist, if they do not keep people safe. I explained that many products which do not keep people safe remain on sale. Now you are claiming that "science and knowledge has moved on" -- which means you are now agreeing with me, and realize that the outdated belief in bicycle helmet efficiency should have disappeared by now, and so it's legitimate to wonder why they are even still available to purchase. Are you now agreeing with me or have you simply been trolling this entire time?
Wow, you are a lot less intelligent than I thought.
As a matter of fact, bicycle helmet testing standards are a huge part of the problem. But you didn't know that either, because you are basically a troll, and completely without knowledge on the topic at-hand.
https://www.bicycling.com/news/a2193...elmet-ratings/
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/healt...-flaws-n886691
https://www.forbes.com/sites/carlton...h=1e2ab851cbd4
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/2211...accounts-head/
https://www.evo.com/guides/virginia-tech-helmet-ratings
And the market is full of untested helmets, as well.
https://www.consumerreports.org/bike...ely-available/
Have you ever even read one single article on the topic of bicycle helmets? It is difficult for me to imagine how clueless you are on this topic, while still seemingly being interested in it.
Be careful what you wish for. I can go on illustrating your incompetence on this topic for literally days, and you might wind up permanently scarred like shelbyfv.
So we should be unsafe because of this "perceived danger"? Sounds like a good solid argument. Let's actually be unsafe to prove that their is a "perceived danger". I know you think not wearing a helmet is some how magically going change people's perception but sadly that is not the case. If we work on changing people's driving habits and try and prevent distracted driving and driving while intoxicated that will help but not wearing helmets is just your own personal vanity. Don't want to get that dreaded "helmet hair" I read that article and again not once was mentioned helmets beyond helmet hair and the first part of it alluded to Buzzfeed. You can say the source is the best but when it has to go to Buzzfeed for data that is NOT a peer reviewed study.
No I am not agreeing with you I am saying science and medicine have moved on from believing tobacco is good for you not that they are saying helmets are unsafe. Again nobody aside from you here is saying helmets are unsafe and the few internet crackpots trying to claim they are unsafe really don't have much.
I am still awaiting those peer reviewed studies? Right now you have helmets are being tested articles or the testing needs to improve but that is not really a great treatise against helmets. It is saying that things need to be updated testing wise and that VA Tech is doing some better testing and many manufacturers do their own separate testing so they can exceed CSPC. Also saying because someone is wearing a helmet and potentially getting passed at a closer distance in a car is not a reason to not wear helmets that is beyond stupid victim blaming. It is the same thing as if she didn't want to get violated she shouldn't have worn that dress...It is poor logic and doesn't make anyone safer.
in terms of online giants known for selling fakes and knockoffs and cheap products selling un-rated helmets, again not a treatise against helmets but a we should go after these mega corporations for selling unsafe products especially without any warning. We should stop wearing helmets because some billionaires sell bad ones? That sounds rather silly and could be applied in a lot of situations that would sound equally silly. We should stop posting in online forums because some of them are terrible. We should stop looking at email because some of it is spam. We should stop breathing air because some of it is polluted. We should stop drinking water because sometimes it can drown you. I can go on and be more silly but I think the point is made.
You have no real good data none of your articles really say don't wear a helmet and you have yet to show any of these peer reviewed studies you claim exist in droves. I would think in the many posts you have made talking about them you would have found them by now they are super easy to find you said but you can't even find them! Heck you couldn't even use the better article on Bicycling for your point against helmets, it was a link at the bottom of the article you posted.
Do You Always Need to Wear a Helmet to Ride a Bike? HELMETS CAN PROTECT AGAINST SPECIFIC HEAD INJURIES, BUT THEY’RE NO SUBSTITUTE FOR SAFER STREETS AND MORE MINDFUL DRIVERS.
#3865
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#3866
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No, I never said anything like 'Unhelmeted cyclists are invincible'. I specifically said that luck plays a large part in sustaining head injuries. In your case, in all likelihood, your helmet made no difference whatsoever and you would have been injured with or without it. And we know this because even helmet manufacturers state that their bicycle helmets are not designed to prevent the sort of injury you received.
As an aside, for the folks here who are suffering from confirmation bias, your story is precisely an example of that phenomenon. You want to believe that it was your foresight and intelligence in wearing a helmet that day which saved your life. I get that -- everyone wants to believe that they are in control, and no one wants to believe that they just got lucky. So everyone wants to believe that, as long as they wear their dainty little plastic hat, they will be safe. And I get that too, feeling safe is nice. But feeling safe is not being safe, and it is important to recognize the difference.
To the point, an equally-valid interpretation of your story is that your helmet did a very poor job of protecting your brain, and you wound up in a coma despite wearing your hat.
As an aside, for the folks here who are suffering from confirmation bias, your story is precisely an example of that phenomenon. You want to believe that it was your foresight and intelligence in wearing a helmet that day which saved your life. I get that -- everyone wants to believe that they are in control, and no one wants to believe that they just got lucky. So everyone wants to believe that, as long as they wear their dainty little plastic hat, they will be safe. And I get that too, feeling safe is nice. But feeling safe is not being safe, and it is important to recognize the difference.
To the point, an equally-valid interpretation of your story is that your helmet did a very poor job of protecting your brain, and you wound up in a coma despite wearing your hat.
That crash was from my fork breaking at the crown, no warning at close to 30 mph coming off a routine bunny hop. I never got my hands off the bars. I'm no gymnast. It was a head hit, then shoulder.
"In your case, in all likelihood, your helmet made no difference whatsoever and you would have been injured with or without it." Umm, yes. Injured to the life of a vegetable or dead without it. Unless you are much smarter than the best at Massachusetts General Hospital's ICU where they had one of the early CAT scanners. The hit was a couple of inches above the corner of my eye. Broken skull there just might be traumatic, maybe? True, I probably don't have the thick skull you do.
Edit: The CAT scan showed just a small blood clot on my hypothalamus and a bruise on the base of my motor nerves. 5 days later, next scan showed those healing well. The consequences to me were the big deceleration my brain took (and rebound as that was the early firm polystyrene(?) foam). Skull was fully intact. That hit was exactly what those helmets were designed to deal with. I lived and I'm here. I would challenge you to do the same crash without helmet and report back but my faith won't allow me.
Last edited by 79pmooney; 04-16-24 at 11:17 AM.
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#3867
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From the Forbes article...“The materials that are used in most of today’s helmets are engineered to absorb the high impact energies that can produce skull fractures and severe brain injuries”.
Impact energy absorption is what I've been talking about, and the fact that it's happening is evidenced by the resulting crushed EPS foam. That means 100% of the impact energy was not transmitted directly to my/your head. That's a good thing. This is simple stuff.
If someone is going to hit you on the head with a 2x4, and you have a choice between wearing a bicycle helmet or nothing, which do you choose?
It truly baffles me that someone can talk themselves into the conclusion that bike helmets are useless...harmful, even.
Impact energy absorption is what I've been talking about, and the fact that it's happening is evidenced by the resulting crushed EPS foam. That means 100% of the impact energy was not transmitted directly to my/your head. That's a good thing. This is simple stuff.
If someone is going to hit you on the head with a 2x4, and you have a choice between wearing a bicycle helmet or nothing, which do you choose?
It truly baffles me that someone can talk themselves into the conclusion that bike helmets are useless...harmful, even.
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#3868
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Yep that's why the thread is hidden away in A&S. Not really a lot to say unless some troll wants to stir stuff up. Now where is the flat earth sticky...?
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#3869
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From the Forbes article...“The materials that are used in most of today’s helmets are engineered to absorb the high impact energies that can produce skull fractures and severe brain injuries”.
Impact energy absorption is what I've been talking about, and the fact that it's happening is evidenced by the resulting crushed EPS foam. That means 100% of the impact energy was not transmitted directly to my/your head. That's a good thing. This is simple stuff.
If someone is going to hit you on the head with a 2x4, and you have a choice between wearing a bicycle helmet or nothing, which do you choose?
It truly baffles me that someone can talk themselves into the conclusion that bike helmets are useless...harmful, even.
Impact energy absorption is what I've been talking about, and the fact that it's happening is evidenced by the resulting crushed EPS foam. That means 100% of the impact energy was not transmitted directly to my/your head. That's a good thing. This is simple stuff.
If someone is going to hit you on the head with a 2x4, and you have a choice between wearing a bicycle helmet or nothing, which do you choose?
It truly baffles me that someone can talk themselves into the conclusion that bike helmets are useless...harmful, even.
Heck I understand not wanting to wear a helmet they can be big and bulky and aren't really a sexy look and could certainly be hotter in the summer and all of that sort of stuff but to say it is unsafe and harmful just blows the mind completely.
Well I mean everyone knows the earth is flat that is a universal truth that everyone holds. What next are they going to say that JFK wasn't shot by Elvis using a secret laser ray developed by Bob Hope and Lena Horne? What crazy times we live in,,,LOL
#3870
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Among the people/groups I tend to ride with, not wearing a helmet would look more odd than wearing one, but those folks all tend to be experienced and skilled riders who understand the simple factors of why wearing a helmet is a good choice.
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Our new shop will have a policy of wearing helmets at all events we are a part of. There is no ifs ands or buts in this situation. There is just no point to not wear one unless you are riding on soft fluffy clouds in dreamland and your bike is made of air (but plenty stiff). I have a brain and it ain't perfect but unfortunately I won't be able to get another one and really don't want to have to do that ever. It would be miserable to have any brain damage especially as a result of cycling. I love eating vegetables but I don't want to become one unless it were a cartoonish version and I was a crime fighting habanero pepper with garlic bulbs for fists...HAHAHA
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#3872
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in
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All of our local club and shop rides require helmets. Might be an insurance thing. I rarely see an adult w/o a helmet other than DUI types riding Salmon against traffic or on the sidewalk.
#3873
Full Member
Even countries that take their cycling very seriously struggle massively to accurately count cycling injuries. So attempting to analyze cycling safety using such numbers, that necessarily have huge error bars, is essentially pointless. This is why, for example, the previously-referenced studies estimate large improvements in cyclist fatality rates could be caused by helmet usage, while our actual real-world statistics have never shown even the slightest such improvement. When you attempt to study a problem using junk data -- which virtually all cycling injury data is, unfortunately -- your results are going to be garbage, due to GIGO.
While not ideal, that means that any accurate safety analysis must be done using fatality statistics -- which are vastly easier to compile accurately.
#3874
Full Member
Again with the lack of comprehension. You are no less safe with the wind in your hair versus wearing a bicycle helmet.
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/ar...l-hoax/572212/
https://www.insidehighered.com/news/...s-and-scholars
https://www.forbes.com/sites/geoffre...h=450ccbd5463e
https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2...iew-statistics
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8877864/
And you had absolutely zero clue about that, until I educated you. As with the remainder of this entire topic.
So are you willing to accept my challenge, or not? If I provide the statistics that I previously referenced, will you be an honest person and admit that you have been wrong?
#3875
Full Member
"In your case, in all likelihood, your helmet made no difference whatsoever and you would have been injured with or without it." Umm, yes. Injured to the life of a vegetable or dead without it. Unless you are much smarter than the best at Massachusetts General Hospital's ICU where they had one of the early CAT scanners. The hit was a couple of inches above the corner of my eye. Broken skull there just might be traumatic, maybe? True, I probably don't have the thick skull you do.
Doctors at Mass General, and everywhere else, are not trained in accident reconstruction, and even if they had been, they likely would not have had the necessary evidence to make that judgement. Among other things, they would need to know the angle and speed at which your head contacted whatever it hit -- because as previously-explained, the increased effective size of your helmeted head changes the impact situation substantially.
Did anyone get your crash on video?
All that said, I worked with some of the finest physicians in their fields at the University of Chicago, and while they are very good at their specialty, they were almost universally useless at anything else. One industry-wide example of this is the persistence of hand-written medical charts -- which cost many lives unnecessarily.
Why did professional cycle racing see an increase in fatalities when helmets became mandatory?
And, more to this specific point, why can no statistical evidence to support your claim be found? Why do helmeted cyclists still die at precisely the same rate which bare-headed ones do?
Last edited by TC1; 04-16-24 at 06:57 PM. Reason: cleanup spurrious quote