Mandatory Helmet Law

[DeniseGoldberg]

I wear a helmet myself about 95% of the time. If I'm riding around slowly in my low speed, low traffic neighborhood on quiet streets with all the Portland bike facilities that it contains, I don't wear it.

I think there's a small problem with your logic having to do with low speed, low traffic neighborhoods and not needing to wear your helmet. Accidents happen when we least expect them. The fact that you are moving at a low speed on your bike does not protect your head when you fall. A helmet does.

And your willingness to sign a waiver so that your health insurance does not have to pay in the case you you having a head-injury type of accident on your bike while riding without a helmet - well, do you have any idea of what a head injury can cost from a hospitalization standpoint? Are you aware that the insurance companies have negotiated discounts with health care providers, but that as an uninsured consumer you will not be offered a discount. (Yes, that is incredibly stupid, but unfortunately that's the way the system currently works (or doesn't work)).

Helmet law or no helmet law, I feel very strongly that we should all be wearing our helmets whenever we ride our bikes - no excuses.

--- Denise