Quote Originally Posted by Veronica View Post
No, you're putting your judgements on to other people. I rode with some outstanding cyclists this last weekend, who did not wear their helmets.

V.
Well, perhaps wearing a helmet doesn't necessarily make you a "legitimate" cyclist, but it sure makes you a smarter one. I'm kind of surprised that there are "outstanding" cyclists out there not wearing helmets. I realize that the pros weren't required to wear them until relatively recently, but I assumed that the vast majority of us who are serious about the sport--either competively or recreationally--collectively agree that helmets are essentially a necessity. I can't think of any event or club ride or race in my area where helmets aren't required. It almost goes without saying.

I didn't make the comment you took issue with, but all the same I feel pretty comfortable on this count imposing my judgment on others. At the end of the day, I and every other taxpayer out there ends up footing the bill, one way or another, for injuries sustained by people who refuse to take basic, low cost, and commonly accepted safety precautions. While there is no helmet law for cyclists or motorcyclists in Indiana, I would fully support one; personal freedom be damned. And I'm willing to lecture any cyclist--competitive, recreational, outstanding, legitimate, etc.--who refuses to wear one.