What's The Point Of Using A Helmet Whilst Cycling?

Question

What Is the point?

Answer 1

I totally agree with you, it give a false sense of security!

I don't give two hoots about the thumbs down I will receive because I am not frightened to speak the truth!

If people actually understood what good cycling helmets really did, - then they would think think twice against jumping on the 'lets-be-safe-'cos-everybody-says-so' bandwagon!

And I am sick to death of the "I had an accident and I would be a brain-dead cabbage, if it wasn't for my helmet!" arguments - RUBBISH!!!!! A little bit of polystyrene might cushion you from a minor bump, but anything more than that and you're as good as the next guy, with or without a helmet!

Crap statistics that people might quote are usually commissioned by the industry, cashing in on peoples fears, so they are unreliable.

EDIT: Wise up Intrepid !!!! - Name one, JUST ONE! accident that cannot be prevented ????? According to your philosophy, no tax's should be spent at the A&E ward !!

EDIT2: Cheers McG!! - It is a requirement that the TdF riders wear a helmet! As it happens so do I, but that's not the point! Infact McG, I have a link from the NHS that says head injuries from cycling have increased since the introduction of cycling helmets here in the UK, - but I'm saving that one!

EDIT3: Sorry Roberto but you're a victim of the hype !!!

You're right,- I haven't seen many accidents where the riders helmet is blown up and the rider walks away!! - Most nasty accidents I've seen involve the legs!! not to mention arms collar bone etc. How long will it be before you use the same weak arguements to endorse the use of spine protectors ?(that are becoming common place, within motorcycling) We don't all want to go cycling dressed up like American Football players ! Helmets are mainly a token gesture!

Answer 2

Because a cycling helmet is supposed to be worn while cycling. It would look retarded if you wear the helmet while watching a movie or doing laundry.

The safety feature of a helmet is already a given and widely accepted like the seatbelts of your car. Like what people said above it wont protect you all the time since accidents are of different nature.

I've fallen 100+ times and hit my head only 2 times in the past 2 years. I wear my helmet for those 2 times in 2 years.

Answer 3

Pushing bicycle helmets has two major purposes and one unintended consequence .

Now some folks will tell you that helmets are useless, and others will say they are without equal.

But the most important safety feature on a bicycle is the riders experience and good judgment. That is why many laws say children should wear helmets; their experience and judgment aren't good yet.

So here is the bottom line:

1.It is PROVEN that helmets are very good at preventing/minimizing head injuries in low to moderate speed crashes, by far the most common and probable.

and

2. Lots of helmets get sold.

However cyclists at high speed and big crashes with much larger moving objects (cars) will probably not survive with even the best helmet on.

The (maybe) unintended consequence of people pushing bike helmets soo much?
It makes cycling seem more risky than it actually is!

I wear a helmet almost all the time. Unless I forget. Or it is WAY too hot.

If you are over 18, the decision is yours. And it better stay that way.

Answer 4

Sorry, but MrG points are just stupid. The deal is, there is no security gadget that will prevent all kind of injuries by itself.

But, security manners, you just have to play the odds. If a train runs over you, of course a helmet will definitely not make a difference. It's like wearing the seat belts on an airplane. If the plane explodes in mid air and the pieces falls into the ground, wearing your belts and knowing all the security measures in the plane will not mean anything. But, they will if the plane enters an unexpected bad weather zone, or something.

I don't think you've seen any accidents witht the helmet all broke up (they're designed to blow up on accidents) and have the rider walk away. Maybe not wearing a helmet on those accidents wouldn't change the outcome, but do you really want to risk it?

I think you protect what you value. So if you don't want to protect your melon it's because of the value you put on it.

Answer 5

The helmet doesn't do anything "whilst cycling". The helmet only gets used after you fall off, or get knocked off, of your bicycle.
"Wear a helmet" is the most overused piece of advice.
Before bicycle helmets were invented, people would tell children "Stay on the right side of the road"... Better advice really.

Answer 6

The point is that minor bumps on pavement won't be major. The world won't stop spinning without bicycle helmets. I raced in my youth well before the styrofoam wonders were invented. Now we can't participate in a sponsored tour without them.

Either it is a fashion statement, legal crap, or they work somehow--racers wear them now. TDF racers all wear them. Is it a requirement? I frankly don't know.

I do know we don't need a law saying we have to wear them. If such a law is passed -- I only hope that the one saying motorcyclist have to wear a helmet passes first. Fat chance.


EDIT: Here MrG you can have the soapbox back.

Answer 7

Helmets are good for not cracking your skull.
I didn`t really wore my helmet 2 years ago. But I had a serious crash and I was lucky to have my helmet on.
Riding GIRO E2 ever since.
Your health is more important than to be a styler...

Answer 8

When your head hits the ground, the helmet absorbs most of the energy by decomposing. It is well-proven that helmets prevent many serious injuries -- I've seen it myself. If people want to ride without helmets, that is fine. A government can't outlaw self destructive behavior. Those who ride without helmets, however, should be personally liable for the costs of medical care when they crash. Why should I, as a taxpayer who pays for the EMTs, or as a health insurance subscriber, who pays for hospitalization, be penalized for those who chose not to take the most elementary of precautions?

My US $0.02. HTH

Answer 9

I fell off my bike and I wasn't wearing a helmet. I had simply forgotten to put it on that day. I was very lucky and didn't hit my head but I think it's Murphy's Law that the day you don't have one on, you will fall off.
So I think that's the point.
Helmet technology is improving all the time, so use your head by wearing one.

I think Duh had a good point - it reminds drivers and yourself of your vulnerability.

Answer 10

Helmets are pointless... it's called put your hands down and roll out of any wreck you might have. Hell, most people who ride bikes don't even ride hard enough to have a fall any worse than tripping and falling while walking. The only time helmets are a good idea is if you're into the more extreme side of biking(Downhill, Freeride, Vert, Park, Street, BMX Racing, etc.).