Non-helmet helmet? Or something like that.

[scotsbikester]

This might be the vaguest question you've ever read.

I've got a helmet. It's a nice big bright coloured one. I think it cost a bit.

But today I went to a very short distance, to the doctor's, and didn't bother putting it on.

I liked it. I didn't have to spend time finding it and putting it on. It was a bit cooler. I didn't have to carry it in to the doctors (or anywhere else I might be going).

For shortish journeys (or maybe longish), depending on where/when/route/weather/whatever I'd like to do the same, sometimes.

Thing is, my wife will go bananas if she sees me setting off without one. She doesn't cycle and has no interest at all in hearing the various arguments about why helmets aren't the sure fire way of never getting injured while cycling. I love her very much, but she is sometimes very risk-averse in irrational ways.

What I want is some sort of non-helmet helmet. Or something. something that isn't a ruddy great lump of polystyrene to lug around. Are those leather caps you see in photos from olden times still available?

One strategy would be to put on a dirt cheap one, then as soon as I'm out of sight of the house hide it behind a neighbour's garden wall, or something.

Any bright ideas welcome. Please don't suggest actually talking to my wife about it - I'm not that crazy.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Just tell her you won’t be wearing a helmet and be done with it

 

[steveindenmark]

I used to wear one if I happened to pick it up on the way out. A couple of years ago I actually went back 200m to get it and put it on.

Had I not done that I really do not think I would be writing this.

Its a personal choice. But I would never ride without one.

 

[Drago]

You're more likely to die taking a stroll than riding a bike and I don't wrap up in PPE for that.

Instead I rely on attributes designed to keep me out of trouble in the first instance - a conscientious approach to riding, proper obs and awareness, years of delivering rider training.

Everyone else dan do as they please.

 

[Happy_Days]

What I want is some sort of non-helmet helmet. Or something. something that isn't a ruddy great lump of polystyrene to lug around.

Would an ultra-light helmet work (e.g., Kask Sintesi)?

https://twowheeltales.com/cycling-helmets/lightest-road-bike-helmets/

https://road.cc/buyers-guide/lightest-road-cycling-helmets-best-lightweight-helmet

 

[Rusty Nails]

Wear a bobble hat with a sheet of foam lining inside it.

 

[Gwylan]

This might be the vaguest question you've ever read.

I've got a helmet. It's a nice big bright coloured one. I think it cost a bit.

But today I went to a very short distance, to the doctor's, and didn't bother putting it on.

I liked it. I didn't have to spend time finding it and putting it on. It was a bit cooler. I didn't have to carry it in to the doctors (or anywhere else I might be going).

For shortish journeys (or maybe longish), depending on where/when/route/weather/whatever I'd like to do the same, sometimes.

Thing is, my wife will go bananas if she sees me setting off without one. She doesn't cycle and has no interest at all in hearing the various arguments about why helmets aren't the sure fire way of never getting injured while cycling. I love her very much, but she is sometimes very risk-averse in irrational ways.

What I want is some sort of non-helmet helmet. Or something. something that isn't a ruddy great lump of polystyrene to lug around. Are those leather caps you see in photos from olden times still available?

One strategy would be to put on a dirt cheap one, then as soon as I'm out of sight of the house hide it behind a neighbour's garden wall, or something.

Any bright ideas welcome. Please don't suggest actually talking to my wife about it - I'm not that crazy.

We don't know the day or the hour!
I'm amazingly risk averse and sensible. But every day I meet tossers who drive battle cruisers and are hell bent on killing me and anyone else that impedes their progress.

You might not be planning to sit dribbling in a chair for what is left of your strut on this mortal coil. But there are people out there who will change that.
Also I'd rather go out being able to wipe my own arse.
Wear the helmet.

 

[Ian H]

Two occasional posters here (one much more occasional than the other) pootling along in the sunshine, wearing their customary head protection.

[Photo: RS]

 

[N0bodyOfTheGoat]

Did I imagine reading a stat about most RTAs happen close to home?

Earlier this summer, I literally did a slow ride around the block without a helmet, while one less thing to faff with it felt weird not wearing one.