The CycleChat Helmet Debate Thread

[martint235]

Sorry I was on about me, after my experience I wouldn't want to have the same accident again even for testing..

But from an evidence point of view you may as well buy a rabbits foot. That of course is worse for the rabbit thoug

 

[srw]

Maybe you should show the same care walking as you do cycling.

Or, according to your logic, I should cover myself with protective clothing when I'm walking?

 

[martint235]

I would trust them more than bare skin alone.

That is true madness. They don't even stand up well to holding onto the bars.

 

[screenman]

Or, according to your logic, I should cover myself with protective clothing when I'm walking?

No, just show some more care.

 

[screenman]

That is true madness. They don't even stand up well to holding onto the bars.

No that fact that they will not give some protection is rubbish.

 

[srw]

No, just show some more care.

No that fact that they will not give some protection is rubbish.

You've very neatly illustrated my point. When walking I should "show some more care". When cycling I should consider something that might give some protection. That's inconsistent. Why aren't you advising me to consider protection when I'm walking?

 

[velovoice]

Clothing of any kind will provide some protection to the skin. The crux of the whole "helmet debate" is, if you're going to choose to wear one, do so fully informed, knowing its limitations and acting accordingly. Education (facts, data, physics, materials engineering, biology, etc) has convinced many of us that -- carrying the whole protective clothing analogy further -- cycling helmets are the Emperor's New Clothes. And then there's the whole issue of how marketing has sold this massive con on an unsuspecting population, while making cycling look far more dangerous than it is and making people on bikes look "other". Lies and divisions and dirty tricks.

 

[keithmac]

So, tripping when walking?

If you're walking around while high on drugs then bad things are bound to happen, helmet or not..

 

[Tanis8472]

What's drugs got to do with it?

 

[screenman]

You've very neatly illustrated my point. When walking I should "show some more care". When cycling I should consider something that might give some protection. That's inconsistent. Why aren't you advising me to consider protection when I'm walking?

Not sure I have told you to wear anything.

 

[swansonj]

...

Ive never given anyone scorn and abuse for not wearing one and I never will. Same as I don't expect to receive any scorn or abuse for my choice to wear one.

I trust I could not be accused of giving scorn and abuse to a helmet wearer; but politely pointing to the evidence that their choice is probably not having the effect they think it has is surely not unreasonable?

I really can't see what anyones problem is with the choice of someone else, the choice of others doesnt affect me, the same as my choice doesn't affect anyone else. Wear one or don't. Its up to you!

But it does....

 

[keithmac]

What's drugs got to do with it?

Sorry, was trying to inject some light hearted humour, best not by the look of it..

 

[srw]

Not sure I have told you to wear anything.

Have another read. You've suggested that wearing something while cycling gives you some protection. When I said that I've tripped while walking your only suggestion is "take care" - not "wear something that gives protection". I'm interested as to why not.

 

[srw]

Sorry, was trying to inject some light hearted humour, best not by the look of it..

I'd suggest smoking your humour. Less likely to spread disease that way.

Anyway - back to @User's question, and the one I'm wrestling with. What protective equipment should I wear when I go for a walk?

 

[screenman]

I'd suggest smoking your humour. Less likely to spread disease that way.

Anyway - back to @User's question, and the one I'm wrestling with. What protective equipment should I wear when I go for a walk?

What speed do you expect to walk at ? What damage have you done to yourself in previous falls?