Pro-helmet article on BBC One Show right now

[al-fresco]

I wear a helmet because my wife asked me to. I have to report that our sex life has not improved at all

 

[yello]

Okay, that attempt pretty much failed. Nearly did it though. How about this more tangential one... the 'selfish argument'.

I read the argument sometimes that it's selfish not to wear a helmet, this being argued on the grounds that any accident leaves someone else with increased burden or responsibilities. I ask here - who's being selfish? Someone near and dear is in a hospital bed, or worse, and you complain because you've got to put the cat out?

 

[yello]

I have to report that our sex life has not improved at all

Oh, I prefer that derail attempt!

 

[monkeypony]

Amusing though these threads are, can anyone explain to me why people actually give a shoot who wears a helmet and who doesn't ??

Surely a more pressing issue would be to discuss whether wearing SPD sandals with socks should be punishable by amputating the feet

Seriously, anyone who feels 'passionately' about the issue (whichever side of the argument they are on) needs to just get over themselves and find something more productive to do..

Another thing, if you fall off your bike because you forgot to unclip them a helmet will not save you from the fact that you are a bloody fool.

 

[yello]

if you fall off your bike because you forgot to unclip them a helmet will not save you from the fact that you are a bloody fool.

Good point. I ask, in continuance, is it more humiliating to be helmeted for a clipless moment? That's assuming that a helmet does give the impression of (supposedly) knowing what you're doing.

 

[4F]

I am a selfish cyclist. Bollox

Since when have helmet designs improved to withstand being hit by a truck at 70mph ?

 

[Rouge Penguin]

Can't we lob a few beagles off a building or something? Or at least drop a melon in a helmet and one not? Anything.

My tuppence is wearing one. Low speed as I was climbing a hill, passed a junction and a car pulled out. Typical smdsy, but was thrown off and slid 15 feet after landing on the side of my head. Helmet split in several places, it at least saved my ear. Maybe my life, who knows.

 

[Jezston]

But even at <25% it's better than nothing?

Possibly, but the question is whether the difference is really worth it, and whether it justifies people bullying those who know the facts and choose not to wear them by people who don't who base their assumptions on 'common sense' rather than 'facts'.

 

[4F]

who knows.

Agreed

 

[monkeypony]

Good point. I ask, in continuance, is it more humiliating to be helmeted for a clipless moment? That's assuming that a helmet does give the impression of (supposedly) knowing what you're doing.

I don't know about that, but, if you do it whilst wearing any form of replica team kit then you deserve to have stones hurled at you from the watching public. In that case, wearing a helmet is probably an advantage.

 

[NormanD]

Not many Murry mints left ... anyone?

 

[screenman]

Can somebody point me to the FACTS! that say a helmet does not help at all, as I am having trouble finding that bit.

 

[Peter91]

I withdraw my argument and substitute with the assumption that having 100 joules of crash energy absorbed isn't worth the wind in my hair, it just feels so gosh darn good.

 

[4F]

Can somebody point me to the FACTS! that say a helmet does not help at all, as I am having trouble finding that bit.

I think those FACTS are kept in the drawer just above the one that says HELMETS SAVE LIVES - FACT.

 

[yello]

I don't know about that, but, if you do it whilst wearing any form of replica team kit then you deserve to have stones hurled at you from the watching public. In that case, wearing a helmet is probably an advantage.

Good point again. I think we should pursue the 'my helmet saved me from ridicule' line of argument.

A serious moment: Screenman, the "facts" are many and varied - as are the interpretations. That is why it is a minefield argument (best negotiated with a helmet for the inevitable incoming ). That is why, whatever your personal beliefs and interpretations of said facts, that you are left with the conclusion that nobody really knows and you're best to make up for you own mind and respect the rights of others to do likewise - even if they may disagree with you.