12 Answers

Here in South Australia it is compulsary to wear an approved helmet whilst cycling either on the road or recreational bike trails, an on the spot fine of $79 applies, just last week- end a cycling protest was made to not to wear helmets, the medical association were appalled at this, they believe helmets save cyclists and skate boarders from serious brain damage, a women in the rally said the current laws for helmets were sexist as it causes a bad hair day --- better a bad hair day than a vegetable, my self i would not ride any where with out my helmet, it is only common sense.

ROMOS

Not a Bogie then?

I live across from a very popular bike path and watching them, I see they are all, mostly, wearing helmets. And they don’t look like dorks! A lot of not wearing a helmet is vanity, never again will I go w/o one, I’m older now………..

We have different laws in different provinces. In a couple of provinces there is no law at all, some have mandatory laws for bicycle riders of all ages, some only for minors, some have laws for skateboarders, some don't, etc. etc. There is definitely a push by the Brain Injury Association and various medical personnel to make helmet use mandatory, across the board, for all such sports. I wonder though, how practical it is to (once again) make laws to "protect people from themselves". Does it ever work?  After decades, people still don't use their seatbelts!

Ducky

For sure.

Hear in the UK you have to wear a helmet on a motorcycle, but nothing else. Some not all people here ride bicycles , quad bikes, skate boards ,horses , without helmets. I think it should be law that you must wear a helmet, I always wear one when I'm out on my bike, it's the sensible thing to do.

A full face motorcycle helmet definately saved my life on at least one occasion.I am all for compulsary helmets on motorcycles.Helmets for kids on bikes is certainly the responsibility of the parents.There is no way one of my girls will ride their bike without one.As for skateboarders....who is going to enforce a law on them.They seem to be a law unto themselves.

Hey Bob,where the motor department is concerned,Let them make a law to wear helmets,push bikes, skate boards and horses, let the responsibility be on the user,,when we were younger we did not have skateboards, however common sense says you should wear a helmet..I just don't like the authority telling me how i should protect myself,,wheather i need it or not,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, 

People need to evaluate how important their health is before they participate in dangerous activities.

Ducky

We never think "it will happen to me".

The risk taker is defiant of the effects of their errors on their own person. They choose to ignore the warnings they hear from within and from the voices of others in their own life. Their choice is to be closer to pain, grief and potential personal disaster for themselves and others. They may be afraid or cautious but they have a sense of accomplishment and success in escaping injury or death by their own careful planning or skill. Tempting certain death is an attack upon the the uncertainty of life and fear of death. One step over the line, measure out a lethal dose and take a little off the top. And then there are those who are truly fearless and they walk the line between mortality and dead in peace and comfort...sure in the knowledge that there is nothing to fear...like me. It is senseless for me to risk pain or injury. The thrill is gone and I am happy to be alive and well.  

Healthy brain.....

Need I say more???

I am an old timer on this-- I don't believe in helmets, I believe in common sense, drive for the other guy.  Helmets create a utopia od safety that doesn't exist, they cut you paraphal (sp) vision, they hinder your hearing and the extra weight on your neck can snap in ss than violent accident.

You will ALWAYS hear when a person dies when not wearing a helmet,  but no word is said when a person dies because of wearing a helmet.  Helmets can kill!

But! The best prevention of death by motorcycle is common sense, be aware, do not take chances, you will always lose, and just because the spedo says 180 MPH does not mean you go 180 MPH.

I have driven motorcycles most of my life from little mopeds to large Harley Davidsons, I have owned many and i am still here to tell you about it, the reason I am still here is because I am scared to death of motorcycles!  I respect them and I live.

Of course you will always find someone that was playing by the rules but died anyway, this unfortunately is true with cars too! So.. just be aware!  

I would say if you must make helmets mandatory, then make them mandatory for riders with less than five years experience.  Seasoned drivers that have respect and know the tricks of safe motorcycling should be left alone to enjoy the wind and bugs in their hair.

country bumpkin

This makes a lot of sense to me Vinny. Have you ever heard of the Iron Butt Rally?

country bumpkin

Read here if you want to. http://www.ironbuttrally.com/IBR/default.cfm?CFID=5520723&CFTOKEN=66531310

My ex husband was in first place until he crashed into the side of a Virginia mountain on the final leg of the race.

I wear one when riding my bike on the bike path.  If I did have a motorcycle, I would use one also.  Here in RI, it is not mandated, about 50% use them however.  Helmets are mandated for kids on bikes up to age 15. 

I have seen the damage created by not wearing a helmet. Just because someone survives doesn't automatically make the outcome good. TBI (traumatic brain injury) from a fall is heart wrenching for all involved. Helmets save lives and brains.