I like Skol
A Minging Manc...
- Location
- Sunny Ashton-under-Lyne
I have resolutely refused to comment on any of these should I/shouldn't I helmet debates before but for some reason seem drawn into this one for the above points.
As a 37 yr old I have had every opportunity to wear a helmet if I wanted, I didn't really grow up in the time before helmets although it was still considered a bit of a cycle fanatic thing to wear one. I did have a brief flirtation with helmet wearing at the start of the 90's when I was in the MTB club at Uni and did a few races that required mandatory helmet wearing but apart from that I do not own or wear a cycle helmet for any cycling either MTB'ing or commuting. I don't judge others for wearing/not wearing a helmet and don't expect to be judged myself, it's up to the individual to choose what they feel safe with.
Now I have 2 sons, currently aged 8 and 5, and they have been made to wear a helmet everytime they have sat on a bike. I do feel slightly hypocritical for this but until they develop adequate balance, coordination and bike control that is the rule. 8 yr old is just reaching the stage where I am almost prepared to let him ride without a helmet as he doesn't really fall off any more. 5 yr old is still likely to fall or career into something (parked cars, trees, etc) so has to keep the helmet. Mrs Skol is incredibly more protective of our kids than I am so it is a constant battle between us and we both have to compomise to make sure we keep the kids safe without stifling their development and risk awareness (this isn't just on the helmet issue!).
8 yr old is starting to ride on the roads a little while accompanied by me and I suppose that once I am happy to let him loose on the roads solo I will also be happy for him to do it with or without a helmet. If he is aware of the road environment then he is as safe as can be regardless of helmet. If we do any MTB'ing that involves fast or technical down hilling, again I will insist on a helmet until he has demonstrated he can manage the terrain competently, after that it will be his choice.
I think that is the main point about cycle helmet wearing, the words that keep cropping up in any helmet debate, choose and choice. It should not be mandatory and no one has the right to say helmets should be worn and it is stupid not to. They are not the answer to all cycle injuries and should not be portrayed as such. Certainly they can prevent certain injuries but life is full of risks and some have to be accepted, attempting to prevent all risk would lead to a dull and futile existance.
