Do you wear a helmet when cycling?

[Davidc]

I wear one nearly 100% of the time.

To protect me from cycling injuries? - not convinced

To protect me from injury by Mrs DC for not wearing it? - definitely!

 

[potsy]

i bought a helmet when i bought my bike last year,always wear it and feels strange now if I forget and start out without it(have always gone back for it)
I think of it as a 'lucky charm' as i can guarantee the 1st time i don't wear it I'll come a cropper (Sods Law)

 

[marzjennings]

THe helmet might save him some cuts and scrapes, and maybe scars. That's Marz outed as a pretty boy!!

You got me, I must protect my dashing good looks and boyish complexion.

But yes, I mostly mountain bike and helmets are great preventing superficial damage to the ol' noggin.

 

[Spokesmann]

I always wear one now, sadly its bedlam out on the UK's roads.

Possibly a sticker on one rucksack or panniers saying "Hit me. I sue." would be useful too.

 

[martint235]

Sometimes. Yes for commuting, somewhere to attach my camera.

I wear a cap for weekend rides. Can't give a logical reason but I guess my perception of risk is higher when commuting

 

[ManiaMuse]

Most of the time when on my road bike just because I feel I'm more likely to fall off it given the skinny wheels and potential for a clipless moment (though still haven't had one *touch wood*).

If I'm going on a short journey (1-2 miles) I will probably not wear it just because I feel an accident is less likely. Stupid logic I know but whatever.

On other bikes I will generally not wear a helmet, just because I'm less likely to be cycling like an idiot at speed as I am on the road bike.

In general though I only view the helmet as something to protect my head if I come off by myself. I think the results of colliding with a vehicle are likely to be pretty messy so I avoid that if at all possible. However I do think that the protection offered to my head if I fall off and hit it on the kerb or something is worth the risk of some bizarre helmet-twisting-would-have-been-fine-without-a-helmet related injury.

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

Always!!

To me it's perfectly simple:

If you are cycling along, particularly at speed, and fall off, it hurts, right? so, why would I then want to hurt my head if I can avoid it?

It's not because there is anything important brainwise in my head, it's just that the scalp bleeds a lot and I wouldn't want to ruin my nice new cycling jumper, particularly the white AG2R one!!

Oh, and you don't always have to avoid things like small overhanging branches either. No, you can just head butt 'em instead!!

'Tell you something else, it helps keep your head dry when it's raining, as there is so much heat under the helmet that any rain that gets through the gaps doesn't last long, but is still refreshing!

 

[potsy]

Always!!

To me it's perfectly simple:

If you are cycling along, particularly at speed, and fall off, it hurts, right? so, why would I then want to hurt my head if I can avoid it?

It's not because there is anything important brainwise in my head, it's just that the scalp bleeds a lot and I wouldn't want to ruin my nice new cycling jumper, particularly the white AG2R one!!

Oh, and you don't always have to avoid things like small overhanging branches either. No, you can just head 'em instead!!

Good point that MDB,have a badly overgrown bit of shrubbery on part of my commute,my helmet has saved me from a few smacks on the head,especially when it's been raining.

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

Good point that MDB,have a badly overgrown bit of shrubbery on part of my commute,my helmet has saved me from a few smacks on the head,especially when it's been raining.

Yes, you can bash through things without having to think about it.
A bit like a double decker bus hitting the trees at the side of the road as it goes along.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Yes, you can bash through things without having to think about it.
A bit like a double decker bus hitting the trees at the side of the road as it goes along.

Or a double decker driving under a low bridge!

 

[Mad Doug Biker]

Or a double decker driving under a low bridge!

Well, no, you do still have to be sensible about it*, and anyway, imagine hitting a low bridge without a helmet!


* - I'm trying to avoid the inevitable pun of using one's head here.

 

[Ranger]

I wear one nearly 100% of the time.

To protect me from cycling injuries? - not convinced

To protect me from injury by Mrs DC for not wearing it? - definitely!

That sums it up for me

To answer jonney jeez, whilst I might not believe it helps the Missus is much happier knowing I wear a helmet and I am not about to shatter that image for her otherwise I will be commuting sans bike

 

[brodie]

Never, ever, on principle.

 

[StuartG]

Never 'cos I like to feel the air blowing through my golden locks. 'cept they ain't golden anymore

 

[dondare]

Never 'cos I like to feel the air blowing through my golden locks. 'cept they ain't golden anymore

...and The Three Bears...