Dangers of helmets
June 8th, 2005 by Tim GrahlThe statistical wrangle over the effectiveness of helmets is actually a side issue; what we need people in authority to understand is that cycle helmets inevitably damage public health.
Even for cyclists on Britain’s roads, the health benefits exceed the risks by a factor of 20.
The health benefits of cycling are so great - and the health injuries from driving so great-, that not cycling is really dangerous.
By telling people that they need helmets for an activity that for a century has been regarded as “safe” - and in fact has a fine safety record - you inevitably engender the impression that cycling must have become more dangerous than driving and walking.
That deters cycling. That reduces cyclists’ presence on the roads. That increases the risk of death.
And if wild claims about helmets saving lives are published in the media, helmet users are bound to feel overly secure, thus compromising their one vital safety feature - a sense of caution.
In addition, over time most people - and especially parents - will come to believe that it is wearing a helmet that matters, not acquiring skilful technique. These effects have been noted in every country where helmets have come into general use, including the United Kingdom. Millions will die early because they did not cycle.
via velorution
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If the author went on and on, he might start talking about how helmet laws only benefit the helmet companies which contribute tons of cash to political parties and that helments are used to smuggle crack cocaine by inserting coke in the foam to get past customs. He might even go on about how there are devices in cars that will track if you are crossing the Canadian and Mexican borders. Oh how about the theory that the little ribbon in the 5,10 and 20 dollar bills are a way for satellites to find out where all the money is.
Sorry for the rant, helmets can and do save lives. I’ve fallen so many times off my own bike and landed on my head. If I didn’t have that helmet on, I know I might not be here today.
I’m with ya , R.L. on this one! We just had a local cyclist whack his noggin after colliding with a pedestrian on a bike trail. No helmet, and he spent 3 days in a hospital bed. Gee, I wonder if a helmet would have helped? I myself, have been known to whack my noggin on occaision, too. Glad to be wearin’ the skid lid. To imply that people will not attain a safe level of cycling skills because they wear a helmet is ludicris! Besides, I don’t think helmets have any powers over the mind! It’s not a helmets fault, it’s the person wearing it. Or not, as the case may be.
I wear a helmet when out mountain biking, but then I believe when out mtbing, if I don’t crash at least once, then it wasn’t a good ride. Other wise, I don’t wear a helmet, just because I plain don’t like them. Mind you during my regular riding I don’t try to set speed records. I just ride to work or cruise about at an easy pace. I accept the risk and am careful. I bring this up as I think the article made a few good points about people shying away from cycling. My own experience is I know people who mentioned they considered getting into cycling but getting all those clothes and helmet and such just didn’t want to deal with it.
I would never tell someone not to wear a helmet, and if I were one to try to see how fast I could go and challenge the laws of physics on every ride, I’d wear a helmet. I don’t do that on pavement. I do believe we could get more riders if they wouldn’t have to feel that helmets and tights were neccessary.Personally I think that other than racing or being an adreline jockey, helmets are overrated. In Colorado, most motorcyclists don’t wear helmets(though I do believe that’s nuts) and it often looks like more bicyclists than motorcyclists are wearing helmets, seems odd. Just thought I’d kick that in.