Comments on: Go Helmet-less! Or Don’t.

By: Sam

Sam — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 12:52:19 +0000

Seat belts have been proven to save lives. Helmets, unfortunately, have not been proven to do much of anything. That’s not to say that people shouldn’t wear helmets, but thus far there aren’t enough studies that prove anything one way or another with regard to helmet use on bicycles. I haven’t looked into studies on helmet use and motorcycles, so I can’t really speak to that.

Overall, I’m more of a fan of laws that force drivers to consider cyclists… like laws that require drivers to give a minimum 3 feet in order to pass a cyclist. That is, as long as those laws are enforced.

By: Barry

Barry — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 18:13:31 +0000

Conflating the pro choice/anti -abortion battle with the bike helmet debate isn’t particularly helpful, since it just takes one divisive issue and ratchets up the emotions by associating it with an even more emotional debate.

I will say that on both these issues, both sides will never agree because they aren’t arguing from the same starting points.

I do think the helmet debate (along with debates about bike licensing and registration) can be useful exercises to think about what is an acceptable role for government and law. For instance I’m pro-choice on helmets for bicycles, so how should I feel about helmets for motorcyclists or mandatory seatbelt licenses for cars?

By: danny

danny — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 12:05:18 +0000

If the helmet debate is like the abortion debate, then not wearing one is like using the rhythm method of contraception.

By: T.S.

T.S. — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 00:20:47 +0000

I always wear a helmet while riding. But I think mandatory helmet laws are a horrible idea. How about actually enforcing speed limits for cars and making automobile drivers wear helmets first. If you want to reduce head injuries and the associated medical expense burden on our country that would be the way. (I wouldn’t mind strapping on a full face and 5point harness every time I drIve, its by far the most dangerous thing I do… and I am an avid mountain biker and rock climber…if every one else did it I wouldnt feel like a complete idiot hah)

@chris: although cheap helmets supposedly have to meet the same standards, I have worn a few cheap helmets that may as well have been a noose tied around my neck. there is no way it would of stayed in place during a crash and no matter how hard I tried to adjust it, it would just loosen up and inevitably fall in front of my eyes or backwards off my head.

By: Chris Kiuchi

Chris Kiuchi — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 18:31:59 +0000

Dirt cheap helmets exist.
http://www.prorider.com/cns/Economy-Bike-Helmets

Make the helmet the key that unlocks the shared bike.

By: James

James — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 18:12:41 +0000

Random but I’m so glad you compared it to abortion debates because everyone laughs it off when I made that comparison but they get so mad about the subject.

And it is personal preference. Nuff said.

By: John Campbell

John Campbell — Wed, 03 Oct 2012 17:36:34 +0000

“When it comes down to it, I think the helmet debate will be like the abortion debate. Both sides have completely legitimate points and it’s always going to come down to a matter of personal preference, ”

The pro life camp has no “real” legitimate points concerning abortion. it is always a woman’s choice.