[USSGompers]

Originally Posted by 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"

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.

[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]

Originally Posted by 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.

That's the way uha uha I like it !

[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!

[perrjojo]

Originally Posted by asianthree

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

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]

Originally Posted by 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

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=Penguin;551234]

Originally Posted by Vinny

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%.

[billdawn]

Originally Posted by Vinny

I did google it and it shows that use of bicycle helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 85%. Bicycle Helmet Statistics

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.