I don't get people's resistance to helmets!

[Veronica]

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.

Do you also lecture people who smoke, over eat, do drugs, drink to excess, engage in unsafe sex, drive over the speed limit, don't get their shots, refuse to go to the dentist, don't exercise, etc.?

I have a great deal of respect for the cyclists I was riding with. They are not stupid or irrespsonsible people. They have incredible bike handling skills. They have evaluated the risks and decided that they don't always need helmets. It has nothing to do with being "cool" either for these people.

Making a judgement about someone you don't know is not very respectful. It's like junior high school. They're not wearing the "uniform" so they're not real cyclists.

Whatever.

V.

[mimitabby]

I guess if people are going up and down a country lane at 8 mph without helmets and there are no cars allowed on the street, that's okay. I agree, there are some instances when not wearing helmets is probably okay, but I have a feeling that people who opt out of helmets aren't being selective about when they are opting out. It's just like the seatbelt story. It's a habit. you're not going to use the seatbelts on the interstate and NOT buckle up when you're just driving to the park.

I just saw the picture of the little boy's helmet broken in 3 places after a vehicle ran over his head. The boy is alive thanks to the helmet. One of the reasons we wear helmets when "we don't need them" is to model this safe behavior to children.

[Kitsune06]

No kidding. With respect to "Helmet Hair" Honestly, there are SO many ways around that now. I think one of the biggest I've seen are the pretty silk headscarves... It's not just a religious article; it's a fashion statement!

I bike to work, and though it's not a long ride, I slap that helmet on when my hair's wet. Instant helmet hair. I get there and I have all kinds of exciting waves that weren't there before. Fantastic. Some days I need to completely wet down my hair in the sink, dry w/ a paper towel (these are blessedly unlinty) and then finger-comb back into the original sexy red spikes.

I'd imagine longer hair would fare better; at least a little, with new waves and braid/ponytailability.

*shrug*
People can be idiots and thinking people will be eternally flummoxed by the amazing irresponsibility of others.

[Python]

I really don't know why people make a fuss about "helmet hair". Haven't they heard of combs and brushes, hairspray and hairgel etc.?

I've been growing my hair long for the past 18 months and it's at the stage where I can tie it back in a ponytail. I also got a Buff and use that every day. When I get to work I change into my suit, get the brush out and usually put my hair up with a crab-like claw which is shaped like a flower. It looks good, is tidy and keeps my hair out of my face. Going home I just put my hair back in a ponytail and put the whole lot in the Buff under my helmet.

I'd feel naked without my helmet.

In any case, head whacking concrete = OUCH!!! (or worse).

One thing that amuses me though is why men are so vain about their hair (or lack of it)

[bmccasland]

I also got a Buff and use that every day.... Going home I just put my hair back in a ponytail and put the whole lot in the Buff under my helmet.

slight thread hijack...

Python,
How does the buff fit under your helmet? Does it make things too tight? Or am I going to have to reajust the straps?

Right now my hair is long enough to wear in a pony tail, but when I go get it trimmed, there are these little whispy bits that drive me crazy, sneaking out from under the helmet.

and back on topic....

Yes, I wear mine when I ride my road bike. Got to admit I've been bad when I ride my cruser in the neighborhood and not wear it then. Louisiana state law require kids to wear helmets all the time (not sure of the age cut off) while biking.

[missymaya]

My buff works pretty well for me and keeps it all in place, but this is coming from a woman with short hair.
As for helmets, I think they rock

[LadyinWhite]

I have shoulder length very thick hair. I hated tying it up in a ponytail and trying to get it to work with the helmet. The buff works perfectly, I don't even feel it.

On mother's day I was toodling around the neighborhood street testing out my new Sidi's. I had no helmet on. My neighbor's were all heading out for a family ride - only the littlest one was wearing a helmet. I said to their teenage son "Where is your helmet!!"

He just laughed and said "Where is yours??"



I ~always~ wear a helmet and had, in fact, worn it earlier that day while testing the sidis. Here was the ONE time I had it off and it came back to haunt me.

Sheesh.

[Python]

slight thread hijack...

Python,
How does the buff fit under your helmet? Does it make things too tight? Or am I going to have to reajust the straps?

The Buff's so thin you don't have to adjust your helmet straps at all. My ears suffer badly with the sun and itch terribly no matter how much sun-block I put on. The Buff has helped to stop that. There are many ways you can wear it - and it takes care of the wispy bits of hair (I have a lot of wispy bits). You can also wet it and wring it out to help keep your head cool.

Have a look at their site and the video. Probably the most useful item of clothing you could have in your wardrobe. Here's me with mine (and helmet).







And if it's cold and you don't want to breathe in cold air...



Have a look at "The Original Buff Video". Shows you how to wear it (and it's quite amusing)

http://www.buffwear.com/waystowear.html

Sorry about the further thread hijack

[mimitabby]

great pictures, Python!

[Python]

Thanks Mimi Sometimes it's easier to show someone how something works than try to explain it.

[RoadRaven]

Kit and Python... I agree - so easy to "sort" one's hair out once at work.
If I don't have time for a shower when I get there, I have "fudge" which I scooch through my hair after I have wet it from water in the bathroom.
Easy. (Actually, just talking about 'products' - I have just bought one called 'CurlzRok' and thats neat - wipe is thinly through my longer locks and my hair goes wild and unruly - love it!)

Veronica, absolutely in agreement with you about helmet choice. The wearing of a helmet does not change or alter the cyclists ability or reality of being a cyclist. And I think of Le tour, and the hill climbs, where the lads have been allowed to throw their helmets away because it gets so hot... does that mean those in the Tour are not real cyclists...?
We have a cyclist here in the Bay who never wears a helmet - he's an older guy, probably into retirement now. He bikes long distances, though he does not come to our club (he would have to wear a helmet). If he had to wear a helmet, he would not ride. I understand he is claustrophobic... I'd rather see him ride than not at all.

Mimi, I also agree with you in that it costs us - and more than in just a crash and the attendant health/rehab costs. Children model themselves on adult behaviour and this is how I approach the topic with non-helmet wearing cyclists. You see, it is law here to wear helmets and I suggest that these people are modeling illegal behaviour to children. And also modeling to children that to break the law is ok when it suits you.
So it costs us in social attitude and 'un-awareness'.

We have many rights taken away from us in my country, and sometimes a government actually work FOR the people...

We must wear seatbelts in cars
We must travel our children in the rear seat of a vehicle unless there is no seat belt available there
We must not drink alcohol above the 'legal limit' and then drive a vehicle
We must never smoke cigarettes inside in public areas/facilities
We must wear helmets - on motorised and human-powered bicylces

[indysteel]

Let me again clarify that I don't think and haven't said that wearing a helmet is a reflection of a cyclist's ability or legitimacy. However, I think most of us can agree that for the vast majority of cyclists (who are not on Le Tour btw) under the vast majority of conditions, helmets are a smart choice. Not the only choice, but a smart one. I barely notice my own helmet, so it's hard for me to contemplate a situation where I wouldn't just wear it. I'm not a fate tempter by nature though.

Veronica, I'm sorry that you've taken offense to my comments. I meant no disrespect to your friends. For those cyclists out there who choose to forego a helmet, either generally or under specific conditions, then that is their prerogative. While I do not agree with their decision, I do agree, that short of a law requiring helmets, it's their decision to make. I also think, however, as RoadRaven and others have pointed out, that there are legitimate concerns beyond personal choice that should be considered.

I stand by my mantra to new/inexperienced cyclists regarding the importance of wearing a helmet. I feel some "responsibility" as a more experienced cyclist to disabuse them of their notions that accidents can't unless they're on the road in thick traffic. And more than anything I would like to encourage them to prioritize their health and safety over their hair. The minute they offer a better reasoned argument than flat bangs, I'll shut the hell up.

[Jolt]

The Buff's so thin you don't have to adjust your helmet straps at all. My ears suffer badly with the sun and itch terribly no matter how much sun-block I put on. The Buff has helped to stop that. There are many ways you can wear it - and it takes care of the wispy bits of hair (I have a lot of wispy bits). You can also wet it and wring it out to help keep your head cool.

That Buff looks like a good idea--where do you get them? And can it be worn like you had yours but with the ears out? I'm not crazy about having my ears covered unless it's really cold out. Another thing that works decently for the wispy bits (I have a lot of them too, and it drives me nuts!) is a bandanna. I've tried that and it doesn't seem to affect the fit of the helmet.

[Python]

You can get Buffs through the Buffs website (I put the link in my previous post). They're also sold at most motorbike shops and some camping shops too. I've only got the one at the moment but am going to add a few more to my wardrobe as they're so good.

[smilingcat]

Do you also lecture people who smoke, over eat, do drugs, drink to excess, engage in unsafe sex, drive over the speed limit, don't get their shots, refuse to go to the dentist, don't exercise, etc.?

I have a great deal of respect for the cyclists I was riding with. They are not stupid or irrespsonsible people. They have incredible bike handling skills. They have evaluated the risks and decided that they don't always need helmets. It has nothing to do with being "cool" either for these people.

Making a judgement about someone you don't know is not very respectful. It's like junior high school. They're not wearing the "uniform" so they're not real cyclists.

Whatever.

V.

Hi Veronica,

I do fully respect those who wish to take chances. As I said before accidents are accidents no one plans on having one but they do happen. I consider myself an experienced rider yet I've been in two serious crashes..

Just reiterating what has been said, if they are willing to take the risk, then they need to face the consequences on their own pocket book. Don't expect me to pay for their foolishenss. Pay for the paramedics, the ambulance, the doctors, the scans, the surgery...

Sorry Veronica but I see it slightly different. And yes I do tell smokers, wreckless drivers... They all need to pay out of their pocket. Same for me too.

Shawn