Why are UK cyclists fixated on helmets

[deptfordmarmoset]

Is is just an UK fixation though? A look at the wider ''Anglo-Saxon'' world would suggest that this attitude is not limited to the UK. I'm thinking mostly about the US, Canada, Aus and NZ here.

One UK factor (and I've no idea how it applies in other such countries) IMO has got to be a completely skewed sense of responsibility for safety, which has seen great gains in car protection but also a comprehensive ''exporting'' of danger to the outside. I'm safe, so make yourself safe. (Alongside a 'my mistake or inattention is your look out' attitude.) The lack of presumed liability, which would partly reduce that imbalance were it in force, has an amplifying effect on that transfer of danger to the other. It very probably leads to a conscience-easing emphasis in the general motoring public on protect-yourself helmets.

Because of the parlous state of cycling a couple of decades ago the resurgence of cycling has given UK cycling a particularly ''athletic'' feel. The image of the pro cyclist with de rigueur helmet will also help to reinforce that.

 

[numbnuts]

I wear one and if I stopped sods law would prevail

 

[Haitch]

I think it might partly be because cycling in the UK is a bit of a subcult and conforming to the rules is very, very important in a subcult. The helmet debate is just one way to thrash out the rules. In other countries cycling is just something you do, like wearing socks or eating sandwiches, and conformism doesn't need debating.

 

[nazzurro19]

they are good for covering your bad hair do on the way to work

i have no hair

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

I thnik it might partly be because cycling in the UK is a bit of a subcult and comforming to the rules is very, very important in a subcult. The helmet debate is just one way to thrash out the rules. In other countries cycling is just something you do, like wearing socks or eating sandwiches, and conformism doesn't need debating.

It may be a factor and I mentioned the normative effect of helmets in pro cycling on our own version of athletic cycling. But, to the best of my recollection, I've never experienced pressure about wearing a helmet from cyclists. It's much more imposed from the outside, that is, by non-cyclists.

 

[srw]

I wish that was true, but it's not my experience.

I know it's anecdotal evidence, but it's what I see on my commutes. More and more people, especially relatively young people, riding around London in ordinary clothes and without a helmet. And one day last week (I forget which) I was riding through Guildford and was passed by about half a dozen other cyclists, all of whom were bare-headed. When I first started spending time in Guildford, about 18 months ago, I would often be the only cyclist. That's not the case now.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

I think it might partly be because cycling in the UK is a bit of a subcult and conforming to the rules is very, very important in a subcult. The helmet debate is just one way to thrash out the rules. In other countries cycling is just something you do, like wearing socks or eating sandwiches, and conformism doesn't need debating.

Hmmmm. 'serious' cycling maybe, the sort where you need the right kit and will be blanked for wearing a replica rainbow jersey because you haven't earned the right to the stripes. But that is a small, vocal on the internet, clique within the single type bicycling community that the non cyclists see us as. We differentiate ourselves to the n'th degree, the 98% of the population that don't cycle regularly see us all as one amorphous mass of POB's

 

[cyberknight]

Beacuse the 1st thing the solicitor asked me when a pot hole caused a bunch crash on a club run causing me to fall on my hip was
"were you wearing a helmet "
That and it has been known for them to try and use not wearing a helmet as contributory negligence in a collsion.

http://www.kennedys-law.com/casereview/contributorynegligencecycle/
http://www.fentons.co.uk/newsroom/latest-news/cycle-helmets-debate-continues/
http://www.forbessolicitors.co.uk/blog/2012/08/cycling-helmets-and-contributory-negligence/

 

[vickster]

Makes me feel safer and having hit my head in my recent accident I was glad to be wearing one

Personal choice...don't really care what other cyclists think or do

Every medic I have seen since (probably 10 or more) plus the police and the solicitors have asked me if I was wearing one, so it is obviously a consideration be it medical, legal. In the legal paperwork from British Cycling's solicitors, there was a specific head injury questionnaire too

Interestingly, the nurse at St George's A&E said a helmet can be the difference between arriving in an ambulance or helicopter which I thought was interesting, as he would know being the main SW London trauma centre!

 

[Markymark]

People like to feel they have control in an environment full of things outside their control.

Whether is gives them any real control is an entirely different matter.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

Beacuse the 1st thing the solicitor asked me when a pot hole caused a bunch crash on a club run causing me to fall on my hip was
"were you wearing a helmet "
That and it has been known for them to try and use not wearing a helmet as contributory negligence in a collsion.

http://www.kennedys-law.com/casereview/contributorynegligencecycle/
http://www.fentons.co.uk/newsroom/latest-news/cycle-helmets-debate-continues/
http://www.forbessolicitors.co.uk/blog/2012/08/cycling-helmets-and-contributory-negligence/

yes, we've all seen these type of reports and with headphones too. Did you contribute to the wider problem with your solicitor by playing along with the question or point out that no cycling helmet would quite reach your hip where the impact was and why was s/he fixated on protecting an undamaged part of your body but not asking why you weren't in full motorcycle leathers on your cycle or using some form of body armour that could be relevant to the area of impact you mention?

 

[snorri]

In answer to the OP.
In the UK the bicycle is seen by the vast majority of the population including many cyclists as a sporting or leisure machine, whereas in mainland Europe it is seen first and foremost as a viable mode of transport. The different attitude to the bicycle results in different attitudes to the clothing required to be worn for the cycle journey.
People involved in sport cycling consider crashes to be a part of their cycle experience and wear protective clothing in an attempt to minimise damage. The rest of the UK population who are unable to discriminate between the various disciplines of cycling, and see so many sporting cyclists wearing protctive gear start to believe that protective gear should be worn by all cyclists.
The "obsession" with the helmet topic is due to the very real fear that helmet wear may become compulsory for cyclists in the UK.

 

[MarkF]

Some of us are concerned that they are becoming the norm here. Then not wearing one could become a contributory negligence factor in any insurance claim. Then wearing a helmet could become compulsory. It's the thin end of a worrying wedge.

Agree with all that, the issue makes me vocal because I am scared of possible compulsion.

.
Helmets on a bicycle is a personal choice but I cannot see a reason NOT to wear one.

Scary post.

 

[Accy cyclist]

I've worn a helmet for 14 years since a work mate at the time told me of her brother not surviving a low speed collision with a car on the A59. According to her the "specialist" told her he's have survived but been brain damaged if he'd have worn a helmet.I came off my bike at around 13mph 2 years ago,the impact eventually lost me my sight in my right eye. Yes being hit full on at 30mph will probably see you off whether with or without a helmet but a fall from a bike or a low speed collision, in my opinion you're safer with a helmet! If you don't want to wear one fine it doesn't affect me or annoy me and there's no way i'd want compulsory helmet use as i want to wear a helmet through choice not because i've been told to do so!

 

[BrynCP]

Those I know who cycle don't really talk about helmets at all, but they are all wearing them. What does happen though, is I can tell a stranger or acquaintance that I did some cycling just in general conversation, and the first thing they'll ask is do I wear one then proceed to tell me how happy they are that I do (even though they don't really know me!). I can only assume the media or marketing has made them think this.

I wear a helmet, there is no significant disadvantage to me and it keeps my family happy, but I am not under any illusion that I could ultimately still die out there.