Why so few people wear bicycle helmets? (ride, speed, adult)

[PanTerra]

Originally Posted by nei

Helmets are more tight fitting that summer clothes which let airflow. But yea, clothes do you make hotter. On the hottest days, I sometimes bike shirtless for that reason.

What kind of clothes are y'all wearing?

[Wadym]

I consider, that the helmet is last that separates the bike-consumer from a bike-fan, I dont use a helmet, I want to stay a consumer.

[missik999]

Actually, in the area where I live almost everyone does wear a bike helmet. The area is very bike-friendly, with many bike trails and paths all over the county.

Helmets are required on organized bike rides and charity events.

It is unusual enough to see a rider without a helmet that if we ever see one my kids poiint it out and comment about it.

[AnonChick]

Around here it's pretty mixed. It also seems to coincide with the type of bike being ridden and the cluster of the people themselves.
English racer styles: almost always helmets.
Hybrids: some do, some don't.
Trick bikes (BMX): on the streets - never. Off-road - often but not always.
Kiddie Tricycles: never

And then the clusters:
College students training for athletics - almost always
Parents with their kids - usually, with some exceptions
Kids without the parents - rarely, if ever
Older teens - rarely, if ever
Older adults - mixed, but this ends up depending more on the type of bike they're riding.

[pythonis]

I never ride a bike fast enough to need one. I also pay attention to my surroundings and am a defensive bicycler.

[snofarmer]

To each their own.

I have only worn a helmet if required to ride in a race or trails event.

Lived in CO, NM,mn and ridden all over the western states. ridden in the mtns quite a bit.
Road raced rode bikes also. Won a couple of races too.
Have the scars to prove it but I never hit my head.

Why does every one think your going to fall and hit your head?
Don't you know how to fall?

I went for a ride the other day and came across a guy in his early 20's

kid,,, "dude? where is your helmet
oldguy,,, at home collecting dust.
kid.,,,, your still going to ride? What happens if you crash and hit your head?
oldguy.,,,I don't ride fast enough, and I ride in control and inside of my abilities.
If I do just call 911...thanks,

A helmet gives you a false sense of security.
I'm not going to get hurt I have a helmet on

You could still do a face plant and your face could be crunched in.
Fall in a stick and impale yourself.
you could hurt or kill yourself countless ways
but the top of your head would be untouched..

So your just protecting a small part of your head this does not mean you can't suffer a grave injury.


It's a choice, like to drive a car or a motorcycle.

[1AngryTaxPayer]

A blowout on your front tire means you go down real fast unless you know how to come to a stop without turning even a little bit. Riding on a rim is not easy.


But hey, people have excuses for seat belts too.

[missik999]

Originally Posted by 1AngryTaxPayer

A blowout on your front tire means you go down real fast unless you know how to come to a stop without turning even a little bit. Riding on a rim is not easy.


But hey, people have excuses for seat belts too.

Yeah, I remember a commercial from when I was very young. It showed several people and their excuses for not wearing seat belts. My favorite was a lady wearing a pink dress who was sitting in the car saying, "I never wear a seat belt. It musses my dress."


So that is what I think about when I see people not wearing helmets. I have worked in emergency medicine for many years, and I can tell you that riding without a helmet can "muss" your head.

[purehuman]

Originally Posted by Green Onions

Strange. Most people grow out of such reactions. Usually around the age of 7 or 8.

I wonder if they also smoke, drive while intoxicated, and have lots of sex without condoms just because they resent hearing that all those things are dangerous?

...What a stupid thing to say...do you think that's a good response just because someone feels and thinks differently than you?...

[pythonis]

Okay question: When you wreck on a bicycle and youre flying through the air, how many of you put your arms behind your back and aim your head towards the ground? I know I dont.