Not even with two blown out tires...

[grey]

From everything I have heard of Boulder, I am really surprised that happened there!

[Chicken Little]

Boulder children, in a parade, without a helmet? The shop just shot itself in the foot! Quite an error, eh?

[Jenerator]

The parade was in Frederick, not Boulder.

To live up to the stereotype, Boulder would not allow a high carbon footprint vehicle like a pickup truck in a parade, much less allow the kids to go without lids.

[Goldilocks]

I totally agree with everyone's comments here. That said, where were the parents? If it was my kid, even if the shop stupidly didn't require helmets, I know I wouldn't let my kid participate without a helmet. And what about the parade organizers? Shame on everyone for dropping the ball on that one, but especially the shop owner who knows better and, as you said, is in a position of authority on the matter and a position to set an example for others.

[Bad JuJu]

Sounds like you should send the letter not only to the shop owner, but also to the local newspaper.

[smurfalicious]

Sounds like you should send the letter not only to the shop owner, but also to the local newspaper.

Oh I plan on it. I might tweak it a bit but in rereading it doesn't sound nearly as angry as I am. Every parent watching that parade with their children should be angry. The nice part is that I write and photograph for that paper so it could be a benefit or a detriment.

In Oregon there is helmet law for children I believe 16 and under. I know everyone gets all huffy about being mandated to do things, but not everyone is a great parent and sometimes the law has to step in to protect children. There are plenty of laws about how you should treat your kids, don't see this as any different.

In 4-H kids are required to wear helmets for equestrian projects. I think the rules there are a little crazy. Requiring a helmet to brush and saddle your horse is a bit much. I've been kicked, several times despite taking numerous safety precautions, but never in the head.

Even high school rodeo is requiring rough stock riders to wear helmets. I've read a lot of comments in the PRCA and PBR about how the next generation of rough stock riders are, for the most part, still wearing helmets in the pro ranks. Scary thing about that is there are no regulations, no governing bodies approving those helmets. I don't wear one bullriding because they are, in my eyes, very unsafe. They're essentially a batting helmet with a face mask. They're heavy and cause balance issues, and I imagine a lot of strain on the neck. Further they are not designed to break on impact which is kind of the point of a helmet. While they may offer some protection if you were to get stepped on, I can almost imagine them making things worse.

*sigh* Rant over. Can't complain unless I start to push for a helmet law...

[snapdragen]

you ride bulls smurf?