Cycle Helmets. [POLL]

[Dutto]

.......... if you think they're offering you protection you will ride less safely.
.............

A valid argument indeed.

My own theory exactly and I still have to wonder why my invention of an accident prevention device, that would have reduced serious accidents down to almost zero, was kicked into touch by the UK Health and Safety Executive

I invented a method by which a 500mm stainless steel spike could be installed in the centre of every vehicles steering wheel so that, in the event of an accident, the driver of the vehicle would lurch forward and impale themself on the spike!

It would have made driving a lot safer and a lot cheaper. The driver would be a lot more careful, speeds would be reduced and fuel saved, Seat Belts and Air-Bags could be discontinued!

Did they listen? NO; despite the fact that I used the same argument as yourself for almost every vehicle safety device installed since WW2!

Actually, today there was a good example of what can happen when a vehicle is driven too fast!

If you were watching the Belgian Grand Prix you would have seen a massive shunt that just wouldn't have happened if "The Dutto Spike" had been installed on all of the cars! Believe me, the drivers would have made damn sure that they left the grid in a slow orderly fashion and had plenty of room to stop before they crashed into each other.

It was only by sheer luck and careful design that no-one was killed!

 

[Cwrw666]

“Helmet use is associated with odds reductions of 51% for head injury, 69% for serious head injury, 33% for face injury and 65% for fatal head injury. Injuries to the neck were rare and not associated with helmet use,” the study found.

Can someone explain how a helmet that does not cover the face can reduce face injuries by 33% ?
Personally I always wore a helmet when I was cycling but there again I regularly used to clock over 50mph on some of my downhill runs.

 

[Dutto]

Can someone explain how a helmet that does not cover the face can reduce face injuries by 33% ?
..........

It could be that, when wearing a helmet, you are still conscious when you hit the road and therefore able to keep your face off the tarmac.

 

[divrack]

I don't see why you have to decide between riders choice or and better infrastructure.

This country and others are getting a bit militant about restricting personal freedoms for our own good. Of course it's a good idea to wear a helmet, my mum almost died having no helmet on in a crash, but compulsory? I'll thank you to let me decide. I judge the risks of my own behaviour and I'll thank everyone else to keep their nose in their own affairs. When I'm riding DH forest runs I wear full face helmet and pads, when I'm nipping along to the shops/pub I wear what I'm wearing.

 

[Leon103]

I don't see why you have to decide between riders choice or and better infrastructure.

This country and others are getting a bit militant about restricting personal freedoms for our own good. Of course it's a good idea to wear a helmet, my mum almost died having no helmet on in a crash, but compulsory? I'll thank you to let me decide. I judge the risks of my own behaviour and I'll thank everyone else to keep their nose in their own affairs. When I'm riding DH forest runs I wear full face helmet and pads, when I'm nipping along to the shops/pub I wear what I'm wearing.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

Of course it's a good idea to wear a helmet, my mum almost died having no helmet on in a crash, but compulsory? I'll thank you to let me decide. I judge the risks of my own behaviour and I'll thank everyone else to keep their nose in their own affairs.

I bet motorcyclists used the same argument when crash helmets became compulsory and how many lives have been saved in the years since, i had a couple of motorcycle accidents in my youth and i am glad i was forced wearing one.
Your argument about nipping to the shops/pub is flawed as accidents can happen anywhere anytime short journeys and your competence changes nothing, do you drink alcohol then ride home when you nip to the pub?

 

[simon12]

I am in favour of personal responsibility not government intervention and think the police have better things to do than enforce this.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

I am in favour of personal responsibility not government intervention and think the police have better things to do than enforce this.

I imagine most motorcyclists think they are competent riders should they have been given the option not to wear crash helmets if they were just nipping to the shops?

 

[simon12]

My point had nothing to do with just going to the shops just that adults should make there own choices about what risks they take regardless if its going to the shops or on the motorway as long as its there risk not a risk to others.

 

[Boomerangbender]

I cycle every day mainly on quiet country roads and always wear a helmet it makes sense. I would support the wearing of helmets to be compulsary

 

[Chippy_Tea]

My point had nothing to do with just going to the shops just that adults should make there own choices about what risks they take regardless if its going to the shops or on the motorway as long as its there risk not a risk to others.

If you get knocked off and split your head open your choice has needlessly involved others.

You didn't answer my question -

I imagine most motorcyclists think they are competent riders should they have been given the option not to wear crash helmets if they were just nipping to the shops?

 

[GerritT]

You didnt answer my question -

I imagine most motorcyclists think they are competent riders should they have been given the option not to wear crash helmets if they were just nipping to the shops?

So you're actually equalling a 10 mph accident with a 60 mph accident? Just asking.

 

[Leon103]

So you're actually equalling a 10 mph accident with a 60 mph accident? Just asking.

How did you come to that conclusion?

 

[GerritT]

And of the mentioned accidents in this thread, how many where caused by others and how many were caused by slippery roads etc.? I'm under the impression that most bicycle accidents happen without car intervention.

 

[GerritT]

How did you come to that conclusion?

Nipping off to the shops, one with helmet and one without helmet by competent drivers. Only difference that is stated here. Implying rest of the circumstances are equal-ish.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

So you're actually equalling a 10 mph accident with a 60 mph accident? Just asking.

Do all cycle accidents happen at 10 mph and below?

If you knew you were going to get hit by a car go over the bonnet and land on your head at 10 mph (or at any speed) would you choose to wear a helmet or not, just asking!

 

[Gunge]

I imagine most motorcyclists think they are competent riders should they have been given the option not to wear crash helmets if they were just nipping to the shops?

I haven't been in an accident over 35 years of motorcycling. But I wouldn't dream of not wearing a helmet no matter how short the trip. Likewise proper gloves and boots. But that's just me.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

I am sick of removing off topic posts so Gunge gets the last say.