Bicycle riders without helmets

[archerlc]

I see people riding without helmets around TV. I assume since they are going slow they think they are OK.
Some things to think about:
I have seen seats snap off for no apparent reason. Bolts fail, posts fail. If it happens you are going down. If you happen to hit on your shoulder you head will then slap onto the pavement.
I have seen handle bars snap off.
Chains break.
My sister ran over a groundhog in PA. No injury to either.
I have seen snakes at the very last second. It shakes me to all get out but I have to say I have not crashed due to that.
I'm sure some safety commission has a list of crazy, unexpected things that have caused riders to fall.
Bike helmets: All are covered by CPSC since 1999. If it's $35 or $250 they all meet the same standard.
Just something to think about.

[Jim 9922]

I see motorcycle riders without helmets, smokers puffing like chimneys, drinkers on the Squares, resturants and bars hopping into their carts and cars and driving home, sun bathers and pool people frying their skin, fat people eating more junk food, neighbors climbing on their roofs to clean gutters, people mowing lawns and using blowers without eye, foot and hearing protection, people in carts driving 21 MPH or even faster, people working on or crossing "active" golf fairways without hard hats, walkers at night without reflective clothing or lights, etc, etc, etc.
The point is, at our age if we want to bubble wrap ourselves, we probably know where to find the stuff. If not that's where survival of the fittest takes over.
Just my opinion:loco:

[cappyjon431]

Darwin's theory solves most of these types of problems.:smiley:

[NotGolfer]

I rode bikes all my life w/o a helmut. That is until a handful of years ago when my kids got wind of this and told me "if" I should wipe out and get a head-injury they weren't going to be doing the nursing care for me. This was "up north"! Back then too there was an ad that would be run (locally) on t.v. with an orthopedic doctor or some such specialist who also rode bikes. That ad would tell about the horrible possible head injuries that could happen (just from hitting gravel or whatever)...not to say broken bones etc. I've had bone-breaks not from this sport and have to say if I can do anything to not have others I'll wear the helmut and to heck with having a "bad hair day" afterwards. JMHO

[vclaes]

Any time I see any type of biker without a helmet, I think "mensa candidate."

[AJ32162]

Any time I see any type of biker without a helmet, I think "mensa candidate."

I think the same thing every time I see a fat person in the buffet line at the Golden Corral.

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

It's great to be free to make your own choices in life. Had an uncle smoke cigars until he died at 92 years. Had another friend die at 48 years from flesh eating virus. Had another friend at 46 die from blood clot. Had a work associate, worked out, was a vegitarian die from brain cancer at 54 years. Make your choices, live your life, ultimately you have no control over the outcome.

[Posh 08]

Darwin's theory solves most of these types of problems.:smiley:

:a20::a20::a20:

[Boudicca]

:a20:You all are tooooo funnneeeee (mensa - golden corral).....:mmmm:

[tainsley]

I see people riding without helmets around TV. I assume since they are going slow they think they are OK.
Some things to think about:
I have seen seats snap off for no apparent reason. Bolts fail, posts fail. If it happens you are going down. If you happen to hit on your shoulder you head will then slap onto the pavement.
I have seen handle bars snap off.
Chains break.
My sister ran over a groundhog in PA. No injury to either.
I have seen snakes at the very last second. It shakes me to all get out but I have to say I have not crashed due to that.
I'm sure some safety commission has a list of crazy, unexpected things that have caused riders to fall.
Bike helmets: All are covered by CPSC since 1999. If it's $35 or $250 they all meet the same standard.
Just something to think about.

I know what you are saying and I agree with you. When I was young and carefree the thought of wearing a helmet never occurred to me even after my sister's head split opened when she hit the ground after flying off a motorcycle! Don't smoke anymore but I did for many years...I am sure my lung capacity would be much greater now if I hadn't smoked all those years! My point is now that I have found this wonderful paradise I want to live at least another 30 years! I am still carefree but not as young and I do wear a helmet when I ride my bike because I would just hate it if I fell off and landed on my head!

[anlashokna]

Now don't get me wrong, know the benefits of helmets And if I ride in or near traffic I will wear one. But just to play a devils advocate here...how many of you rode bikes for umpteem number of years without? I know when I was a kid, a helmet? Huh?? What are you talking about. Had plenty of skinned knees from wiping out on gravel roads...yep...before they paved our roads...LOL.

Basically people will wear them or not. If its not hte law then there is no requirement. I myself will likely invest in one just because I've already seen the crazy drivers :loco: both vehicle and cart down there and I assume riding on sidewalk is a no no.

Used to bike around the bicycle capital (shout out to sparta, wi) and would ride on the sidewalks on the busy streets, other streets I felt fine doing it. But people were heavily aware of bicyclists and weren't out to run them off the road either.

[Advogado]

Darwin's theory solves most of these types of problems.:smiley:
In other places, I would agree with you.

The problem here is that the idiots you see in The Villages riding without a helmet have already procreated.

[JoeC1947]

It's called thinning of the heard.

[cappyjon431]

In other places, I would agree with you.

The problem here is that the idiots you see in The Villages riding without a helmet have already procreated.

Very good point, but in the "big picture" they have passed on the genes so it is a problem that will eventually solve itself. One of the reasons the dinosaurs died out was they had brains the size of walnuts--see the parallel?

[MrMark]

I see people riding without helmets around TV. I assume since they are going slow they think they are OK.
Some things to think about:
I have seen seats snap off for no apparent reason. Bolts fail, posts fail. If it happens you are going down. If you happen to hit on your shoulder you head will then slap onto the pavement.
I have seen handle bars snap off.
Chains break.
My sister ran over a groundhog in PA. No injury to either.
I have seen snakes at the very last second. It shakes me to all get out but I have to say I have not crashed due to that.
I'm sure some safety commission has a list of crazy, unexpected things that have caused riders to fall.
Bike helmets: All are covered by CPSC since 1999. If it's $35 or $250 they all meet the same standard.
Just something to think about.


Don't be so critical. How else would you know they are brain dead.

[Advogado]

Very good point, but in the "big picture" they have passed on the genes so it is a problem that will eventually solve itself. One of the reasons the dinosaurs died out was they had brains the size of walnuts--see the parallel?

So I guess it all depends on whether the offspring of the helmetless bike riders we see here get clipped by a car before reproducing. Judging from the bike riders' apparent IQs, their offspring are probably having kids at around the age of 14. If so, we cannot count on improvement of the human gene pool.

[cappyjon431]

So I guess it all depends on whether the offspring of the helmetless bike riders we see here get clipped by a car before reproducing. Judging from the bike riders' apparent IQs, their offspring are probably having kids at around the age of 14. If so, we cannot count on improvement of the human gene pool.

Just takes a little longer. Good things come to those who wait.

[Mikeod]

While I understand the concern, if I see someone not related to me doing something I think is foolish, I may shake my head, but I really don't feel the need to get innvolved. Now, if their foolishness poses a risk to me or my family or friends, I will be concerned enough to say or do something. But, absent any personal risk to me or my family, they are free to risk their lives or well being if they so desire.

Case in point. Last summer, we had renters on our street who had teenagers. They were driving golf carts up and down the street at high speed, then skidding them sideways by slamming on the brakes. Now, if they want to maim themselves, that's their business. But they were endangering my neighbors who like to walk around, or may be driving in their carts. Not to mention that they could lose control and go up on someone's yard and perhaps hit a house. I had to go out and shout at them to stop. And they did.

[The Great Fumar]

Very good point, but in the "big picture" they have passed on the genes so it is a problem that will eventually solve itself. One of the reasons the dinosaurs died out was they had brains the size of walnuts--see the parallel?

Now hold it, shouldn't this be in the political forum ??????

fumar..............:loco:

[getdul981]

Any time I see any type of biker without a helmet, I think "mensa candidate."

I think "Organ Donor"

[ilovetv]

Good grief, think of your spouse of significant other (who came here to live the dream) having to take care of you as a quadraplegic and/or vegetable.

If you want to maim yourself that's your choice, but don't do that to loved ones who'd have to spend every day watching you in a nursing home!

[erictarleton]

I see motorcycle riders without helmets, smokers puffing like chimneys, drinkers on the Squares, resturants and bars hopping into their carts and cars and driving home, sun bathers and pool people frying their skin, fat people eating more junk food, neighbors climbing on their roofs to clean gutters, people mowing lawns and using blowers without eye, foot and hearing protection, people in carts driving 21 MPH or even faster, people working on or crossing "active" golf fairways without hard hats, walkers at night without reflective clothing or lights, etc, etc, etc.



I have even seen people leaving their house!

[Advogado]

I see motorcycle riders without helmets, smokers puffing like chimneys, drinkers on the Squares, resturants and bars hopping into their carts and cars and driving home, sun bathers and pool people frying their skin, fat people eating more junk food, neighbors climbing on their roofs to clean gutters, people mowing lawns and using blowers without eye, foot and hearing protection, people in carts driving 21 MPH or even faster, people working on or crossing "active" golf fairways without hard hats, walkers at night without reflective clothing or lights, etc, etc, etc.
The point is, at our age if we want to bubble wrap ourselves, we probably know where to find the stuff. If not that's where survival of the fittest takes over.
Just my opinion:loco:
This is why I am skeptical about Darwinism eventually weeding out the idiots from the human race. The idiot gene pool has become quite large and idiots tend to reproduce at a young age and have large numbers of kids-- generally out of wedlock.

[JC419]

I think it's great expressing the wisdom of wearing hemets. Many valid points. However, I think calling people idiots and disparaging their lineage, as well as generalizing and stereotyping is mean spirited. Makes me wonder about the validity of the Villages as "the friendliest place on earth"

[asianthree]

Most of didn't have a seat belt or didn't use them for most of our lives. We are still here.

[billethkid]

Isn't it amazing how many of us grew up as kids in the 30s and 40s and survived without a helmet riding bike, roller skating and boarding (a board with skate parts on the bottom).

We also survived driving without seat belts since there were none....as did our children...because there were none on the cars we owned.

Different time....different values....decisions were made on our own and not fear or economic or legislation driven.

btk

[rp001]

Way too many rules......Live and let live...

[red tail]

I think it's great expressing the wisdom of wearing hemets. Many valid points. However, I think calling people idiots and disparaging their lineage, as well as generalizing and stereotyping is mean spirited. Makes me wonder about the validity of the Villages as "the friendliest place on earth"

dont confuse the general population with the totv folks. there is not much comparison.

[Villageshooter]

i wear one all the time,,, so if i get hit,,, i can have an open casket

[George Bieniaszek]

Reason is very simple -- riding with no helmet means that the person has no brains to protect!!

[ronsroni]

Expect the unexpected. I worked in the TBI (traumatic brain injury) unit in a renowned hospital in NYC. Sadly, I had kids and grups (grownups) who fell on skates, from a bike and walking while on a phone on Broadway. The child on the phone went off a curb and fell onto the street a got a bump on his head (the back of his head).Skatergirl wore wrist and knee gear but no helmet. When the left side of her head met the curb, it hurt. The bicyclist was riding his dads old bike on fathers day as he had done for the seven years prior, as his dad was no longer with him. When Bill (biker) was pedalling to the top of the first hill near his home, he felt the chain snap. Bill went head over handlebars and "piledrove' his head into the asphalt. He remained conscious. A man watering his lawn watched the entire event unfold. The fire/rescue team in place, a medic said Bill was ok and Bill said 'I broke my neck''. Bill was able to lift his arms and snap his fingers; concussion only. Rolling his eyes, the medic said, 'sure. If you say so'. The youngster on skates lost his life from a bleed in the back of his brain as he was delayed going to the ER as they waited too long. imagine the guilt. NO HELMET. Skatergirl, last I heard, was still alive but hardly... no helmet.
My friend Bill DID have a helmet on which saved his life. His neck had 3 breaks but no sever in his chord. Because he was a weightlifter, his neck was so developed that it saved his life along with his helmet. Seems sometimes we can help us not to go before our time. He is now retired from dentistry but worked steadily thru age 78.

[paulandjean]

With that logic, should we have helmets on when we drive our cars and carts ?

[Whatever]

most of didn't have a seat belt or didn't use them for most of our lives. We are still here.

and dumber!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sandybill2]

I think it's great expressing the wisdom of wearing hemets. Many valid points. However, I think calling people idiots and disparaging their lineage, as well as generalizing and stereotyping is mean spirited. Makes me wonder about the validity of the Villages as "the friendliest place on earth"

I totally agree with your comments. I so dislike the mean spirited comments that are posted on some of these threads and am sad that it seems to be happening on a more regular basis. I still believe the majority of the residents in The Villages are truly friendly people.

[jimbo2012]

You can lead a horse to water....

I'm surprised there is no law on motorcycles in Fl (as well as other states)

We wear ours and will continue to do so, if you knew when an accident was going to happen, there wouldn't be any.

yet there are others that still smoke in spite of the evidence :read:

[RichieLion]

I often wonder about the self righteous. It's OK to try to be as safe in everything you do, if that's the way you want to live your life. To belittle others who don't share the paranoia is pretty small.

There are many things is life that may be considered dangerous. Others might consider those things exhilarating, and what gives life that spice.

[Bosoxfan]

I like lots of others have rode my bike without a helmet when I was younger.I'm now 55 and consider myself to be not lacking in common sense therefore I wear a helmet when I ride now.I ride pretty often out on the streets of the villages & let me say with the way we all drive around here a helmet may not be enough protection(maybe a suit of armor is in order) I wouldn't ever consider hopping on my bike without wearing one.Please don't say I should be riding on the multimodal paths. I fear more for my life there than out in the road!!

[billethkid]

even in politeness folks get their biased slam in ....I am not without common sense therefore I wear a helmet.....not very tolerant of others free choices...they aren't making fun of you for choosing to wear a helmet....eh?

btk

[Bill32]

I see motorcycle riders without helmets, smokers puffing like chimneys, drinkers on the Squares, resturants and bars hopping into their carts and cars and driving home, sun bathers and pool people frying their skin, fat people eating more junk food, neighbors climbing on their roofs to clean gutters, people mowing lawns and using blowers without eye, foot and hearing protection, people in carts driving 21 MPH or even faster, people working on or crossing "active" golf fairways without hard hats, walkers at night without reflective clothing or lights, etc, etc, etc.
The point is, at our age if we want to bubble wrap ourselves, we probably know where to find the stuff. If not that's where survival of the fittest takes over.
Just my opinion:loco:

:BigApplause: Totally agree with you!

[Bill32]

:BigApplause:I think the same thing every time I see a fat person in the buffet line at the Golden Corral.

:BigApplause:

[asianthree]

Just remember that the transplant list gets shorter everytime the helmet law it thrown out. Bad for some but 5 others get a new chance

[Bosoxfan]

even in politeness folks get their biased slam in ....I am not without common sense therefore I wear a helmet.....not very tolerant of others free choices...they aren't making fun of you for choosing to wear a helmet....eh?

btk

OK here we go....As a person with common sense I don't feel I have a "CHOICE"common sense dictates one should wear a helmet....PERIOD!!!!

[Bosoxfan]

:BigApplause:Good grief, think of your spouse of significant other (who came here to live the dream) having to take care of you as a quadraplegic and/or vegetable.

If you want to maim yourself that's your choice, but don't do that to loved ones who'd have to spend every day watching you in a nursing home!

:agree:

[Jim 9922]

Just remember that the transplant list gets shorter everytime the helmet law it thrown out. Bad for some but 5 others get a new chance
For several years I worked with a hospital that "harvested " organs and had an excellent spinal and head trauma center. There was a saying' "Motorcycle accident without a helmet - a donor; with a helmet -a "C-7", meaning the victim was probably paralyzed from the neck down from a snapped spinal cord.
I personally would never ride a motorcycle because of the potential danger in case of an accident. I prefer the stability of 4 wheels and a steel cage around me. However I do not begrudge anyone who wants to ride a cycle with whatever protective clothing he/she wants. Nor will I lecture that person as to what is safe. Just don't cry to me if you are hurt!.
As with anything, all of us know the dangers and we are free to set our risk levels. So, please refrain from bubble wrapping all of us unless we really ask for the wrap.
Just my opinion! :mornincoffee:
(Please note, this was not aimed at asianthree, your comment just stimulated my memory)

[Penguin]

It's great to be free to make your own choices in life. Had an uncle smoke cigars until he died at 92 years. Had another friend die at 48 years from flesh eating virus. Had another friend at 46 die from blood clot. Had a work associate, worked out, was a vegitarian die from brain cancer at 54 years. Make your choices, live your life, ultimately you have no control over the outcome.

:BigApplause:

[handyman]

With that logic, should we have helmets on when we drive our cars and carts ?

How about tennis,pickle ball or golf,there is always a chance of an injury, if you don't fall out of bed,Yes I ride and most of the time I wear a helmet,but when I choose not to it is none of your buisness

[batman911]

Reason is very simple -- riding with no helmet means that the person has no brains to protect!!

Or you could go with my theory that if there is nothing in the head, a helmet will not help much. Better to use good judgement when riding rather than relying on protective gear. When is see kids playing sports with all that protective gear on I cannot help but think they are not having near as much fun as I did without worrying about all that protection.

[batman911]

I totally agree with your comments. I so dislike the mean spirited comments that are posted on some of these threads and am sad that it seems to be happening on a more regular basis. I still believe the majority of the residents in The Villages are truly friendly people.

Are they mean spirited because they do not agree with you? Maybe they are just expressing their beliefs. I always support freedom of speech even if I do not agree with you. It would only be mean spirited if they directed negative comments to a person.

[ssmith]

The doctor I worked for was riding his bike with no helmet and a dog came after him....long story short....he ended up with a concusion.

I wear a helmet, I don't like to because I love the wind blowing through my hair. Others may not, it is their choice.

Some post to help others make an informed decision, some post to judge others or because they have no where else to express their thoughts. Many post to be funny! Why does everyone assume they understand the intent of another? I appreciate all opinions and hope I am respectful of others so I say Keep posting!

[Posh 08]

http://i1223.photobucket.com/albums/dd502/posh2008/529930_10150823444788486_768948485_9520666_2644064 38_n.jpg

[GaryW]

Wether it be a car rider with no seat belt,,,, A motor cycle rider with no helment or a cyclist with no helment. Their choice.. . Unless it involves children then it is a issue..

[Vinny]

I see people riding without helmets around TV. I assume since they are going slow they think they are OK.
Some things to think about:
I have seen seats snap off for no apparent reason. Bolts fail, posts fail. If it happens you are going down. If you happen to hit on your shoulder you head will then slap onto the pavement.
I have seen handle bars snap off.
Chains break.
My sister ran over a groundhog in PA. No injury to either.
I have seen snakes at the very last second. It shakes me to all get out but I have to say I have not crashed due to that.
I'm sure some safety commission has a list of crazy, unexpected things that have caused riders to fall.
Bike helmets: All are covered by CPSC since 1999. If it's $35 or $250 they all meet the same standard.
Just something to think about.

My cousin's wife fell off her bike, landed on her head and died. Ever since then I wear a helmet.

[asianthree]

coming from not having to wear seatbelts most of our lives, helmets are something that i just can't get used to...and as far as falling and hitting my head thats out of my hands anyway....of course this weekend there was a lady who fell and hit her head while walking out to her mailbox, and died, so if its your time, its your time....of course that does not explain that if the guy next to you on the plane, is his time ....does he take you with him....... just saying

[ssmith]

Agree our times are appointed but what if you have the head trama and live?
With a helmet the permanent injury can be reduced.

[Bruiser1]

Expect the unexpected. I worked in the TBI (traumatic brain injury) unit in a renowned hospital in NYC. Sadly, I had kids and grups (grownups) who fell on skates, from a bike and walking while on a phone on Broadway. The child on the phone went off a curb and fell onto the street a got a bump on his head (the back of his head).Skatergirl wore wrist and knee gear but no helmet. When the left side of her head met the curb, it hurt. The bicyclist was riding his dads old bike on fathers day as he had done for the seven years prior, as his dad was no longer with him. When Bill (biker) was pedalling to the top of the first hill near his home, he felt the chain snap. Bill went head over handlebars and "piledrove' his head into the asphalt. He remained conscious. A man watering his lawn watched the entire event unfold. The fire/rescue team in place, a medic said Bill was ok and Bill said 'I broke my neck''. Bill was able to lift his arms and snap his fingers; concussion only. Rolling his eyes, the medic said, 'sure. If you say so'. The youngster on skates lost his life from a bleed in the back of his brain as he was delayed going to the ER as they waited too long. imagine the guilt. NO HELMET. Skatergirl, last I heard, was still alive but hardly... no helmet.
My friend Bill DID have a helmet on which saved his life. His neck had 3 breaks but no sever in his chord. Because he was a weightlifter, his neck was so developed that it saved his life along with his helmet. Seems sometimes we can help us not to go before our time. He is now retired from dentistry but worked steadily thru age 78.

Great stories but now I am getting woozy!
I always wear my helmet for years now. I want to enjoy "a little piece of Paradise". What with the people getting ejected from golf carts ,cars down the multi modal paths, cars stuck in tunnels... Today I saw two pedestrians walking in the dark tunnel by Palmer. When the carts go whipping around I bet they were sure surprized!

To each their own ..ultimately YOU are responsible for your own safety.

[NotGolfer]

I grew up riding my bike everywhere w/o a helmut as most have in our generation. That is until a handful of years ago when there was a local t.v. commercial by a brain-trauma physician telling of the reasons for wearing them. "Some" folks will die if they fall, w/o one. BUT there are also "some" who will have brain trauma which can give all sorts of scenarios. Would you want to force that on your loved ones, even if you don't have concern for yourself. The care could bankrupt all the hard work that you've done! I began to wear a helmut when bike riding!!

THEN there is the other thought of ....."IF" no brain-trauma but some bad breaks! Been there done that and don't relish the thought of going through the healing and therapy process again. But wearing of the helmut won't prevent this!!

[Wing-nut2]

They don't effect me, so it's none of my business.

[CarGuys]

I think it's great expressing the wisdom of wearing hemets. Many valid points. However, I think calling people idiots and disparaging their lineage, as well as generalizing and stereotyping is mean spirited. Makes me wonder about the validity of the Villages as "the friendliest place on earth"

Agree! Lighten up. So lets put this point on the table. Does a walker or a jogger have to wear a helmet? They just might trip fall down and hit their head.

How about you same people tooling around in your open air Golf Carts. Would you complaining about a bike rider with no helmet while your cruise at 20-30+without a helmet or seat belt.

In fact I think those complaining about no Helmets should wear one while eating at your breakfast nook or every time you go up in the tight attic. Heck you just might stand up and boo boo your head on the hanging table light or a two by four.

How about full face Helmets for mowing lawn and trimming.

If its a race bike doing 20 + in the road then Helmets are a wise choice. If its a Pee Wee Herman bike out for a casual ride on the paths or streets then it's their personal choice.

I wear a helmet on my Harley and Race Bicycle at all times. In any state with any law. However I am one of those pee brains you talk about that sometimes rides my Mt Bike up to the Post office box sans helmet. Are you the same one cutting me off with your cart mumbeling Obscenities under your breath about those darn bikers?

At 60 years old I'm started to get annoyed with Nanny State Bureaucrats in my life. My life my choice.

[asianthree]

i am more worried about the trash trucks at 4am when they come flying thur the streets, have learned to only use one ear fob even at 4am, cause they scare the crap out of me, and yep no helmet

[Dancing Queen]

I see people riding without helmets around TV. I assume since they are going slow they think they are OK.
Some things to think about:
I have seen seats snap off for no apparent reason. Bolts fail, posts fail. If it happens you are going down. If you happen to hit on your shoulder you head will then slap onto the pavement.
I have seen handle bars snap off.
Chains break.
My sister ran over a groundhog in PA. No injury to either.
I have seen snakes at the very last second. It shakes me to all get out but I have to say I have not crashed due to that.
I'm sure some safety commission has a list of crazy, unexpected things that have caused riders to fall.
Bike helmets: All are covered by CPSC since 1999. If it's $35 or $250 they all meet the same standard.
Just something to think about.

I appreciate your post, as you say, "Just something to think about."

I started avidly wearing my helmet when living in Oxford Ohio, and a friend came around a down hill curve at the lead of the pack on one of our weekly rides, and slid on bag, and wrappers from fast food that had been tossed out on the road. His helmet split open, but his head was fine. He was first chair Violin in the Cincinnati Symphony at the time.

The helmet I belive is still on display at the Oxford Bike Center.

I also agree we all have a Choice.

[USSGompers]

I think it's great expressing the wisdom of wearing hemets. Many valid points. However, I think calling people idiots and disparaging their lineage, as well as generalizing and stereotyping is mean spirited. Makes me wonder about the validity of the Villages as "the friendliest place on earth"
Thank you. I don't wear a helmet and I do not consider myself some sort of idiot either. If I wipe out on my bike, it will be my fault and if you fall out of your golf cart because you are not wearing a seat belt, then that's your fault. :shrug:

[clekr]

I ride twice weekly with one of the TV bike clubs. In the two years I've been doing this I know of about six people who have fallen. Some were at low speeds going around corners. If you ride long enough you probably will take a fall at some point. Every one of the people I know who fell hit their head on the ground. You just cannot help it. And everyone of them cracked their helmet. None had head injuries though most had abrasions.

Of course, with the clubs helmets are mandatory.

[Richard1366]

Bikers, wear a helmet, ride single file!!! Do the smart things.

[sueandskip]

It's great to be free to make your own choices in life. Had an uncle smoke cigars until he died at 92 years. Had another friend die at 48 years from flesh eating virus. Had another friend at 46 die from blood clot. Had a work associate, worked out, was a vegitarian die from brain cancer at 54 years. Make your choices, live your life, ultimately you have no control over the outcome.
That's the way uha uha I like it !:beer3:

[Down Sized]

It's funny sometimes about a person's state of mind. Before moving here I rode my bicycles (have 2) most every day for at least a couple hours a day in a very unfriendly bicycle town and NEVER wore a helmet. Now I wear my helmet everyday even though it is much safer riding here on the cart trails or even in these streets with a lot less traffic. Guess I want to live longer now that I'm here!:pepper2::pepper2::pepper2:

[perrjojo]

Most of didn't have a seat belt or didn't use them for most of our lives. We are still here.


Yes, many of us are still here; but many are not.

[perrjojo]

[QUOTE=clekr;551024]I ride twice weekly with one of the TV bike clubs. In the two years I've been doing this I know of about six people who have fallen. Some were at low speeds going around corners. If you ride long enough you probably will take a fall at some point. Every one of the people I know who fell hit their head on the ground. You just cannot help it. And everyone of them cracked their helmet. None had head injuries though most had abrasions.

Of course, with the clubs helmets are mandatory.[/QUOT

My husband had a low speed crash because his tire got caught in a crack. His helmet had 9 major cracks. Thankfully his head was fine.

[Bruiser1]

Of course last week there was the post about the roller bladers that had the audacity to use the multi modal trail.

One golf cart then took it upon himself to pass the roller bladers and slam on the brakes.
The bladers gave chase and the cart driver gave him a forearm shiver driving him off the path.

I know Iknow but ROLLER BLADES are much different than bicyclist. A Golf cart rider would never give NEVER do that to a bicyclist!

[billdawn]

I skipped through some comments so I am sorry if this is redundant. Google Bicycle Helmet Safety and you will find several articles commenting on statistics indicating the apparent failure of bicycle helmets to reduce deaths and head injuries. While some of the personal experiences noted are compelling, they may be "statistically" insignificant.

[Vinny]

I did google it and it shows that use of bicycle helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 85%. Bicycle Helmet Statistics (http://www.bhsi.org/stats.htm)

What I love about the Internet is the ability to find "facts" to support any personal beliefs. If you do not believe me just Google it. :)

[Vinny]

coming from not having to wear seatbelts most of our lives, helmets are something that i just can't get used to...and as far as falling and hitting my head thats out of my hands anyway....of course this weekend there was a lady who fell and hit her head while walking out to her mailbox, and died, so if its your time, its your time....of course that does not explain that if the guy next to you on the plane, is his time ....does he take you with him....... just saying

I never understood those who say when it is your time it is your time. It is the same as saying something lost is always found in the last place you look. This belief states that our actions have absolutely no effect on our death so we can all engage in dangerous activities and forgo all medical exams and procedures as there is nothing we can do to change anything.

I take precautions rather than feel I have no control over anything that happens to me. It must be freeing not take personal responsibility of your life.

[Penguin]

[QUOTE=Vinny;551207]I did google it and it shows that use of bicycle helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 85%.

Gee, I wonder what rocket scientist came up with that stat. If you were walking through a grocery store with a helmet on, tripped and fell hitting your head you would reduce the risk of head injury by 85%.

[CarGuys]

[QUOTE=Vinny;551207]I did google it and it shows that use of bicycle helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 85%.

Gee, I wonder what rocket scientist came up with that stat. If you were walking through a grocery store with a helmet on, tripped and fell hitting your head you would reduce the risk of head injury by 85%.

:agree:

[billdawn]

I did google it and it shows that use of bicycle helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 85%. Bicycle Helmet Statistics (http://www.bhsi.org/stats.htm)

What I love about the Internet is the ability to find "facts" to support any personal beliefs. If you do not believe me just Google it. :)
Vinny, you were being selective when you noted only one site. I did note the "apparent" failure of helmets to prevent injutries, careful to not be absolute. If you continue your search, you will find several additional articles that raise the issue that it appears helmets have not reduced deaths or head injuries. It just raises questions regarding "commonly held beliefs". I too wear a helmet and my comment was not meant to support any "personal belief", just expand the conversation.

[billdawn]

Hi Vinny
I really don't have a "personal belief" regarding bicycle helmets. I was simply trying to introduce additional information. If I wanted to to form a "belief", I would look at both primary and secondary reearch on the subject, evaluate the experts opinion, and factor in my personal experience. I too wear a helmet because it seems like it may prevent injuries in some slow speed falls (not a face plant). The web site you noted is maintained by The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, probably not a disinterested third party. Please read some other articles to get a broader picture.

[Figmo Bohica]

In other places, I would agree with you.

The problem here is that the idiots you see in The Villages riding without a helmet have already procreated.

And they vote.

[graciegirl]

And they vote.


Edging near it Fig. ;)