Why are UK cyclists fixated on helmets

[Colin B]

I'm sorry Colin, maybe I'm not explaining myself very well. You seemed to be arguing that cyclists in the UK wear helmets due to poor infrastructure when compared to some of our European neighbours. Because they perceive the road network in the UK as being dangerous they wear a helmet to protect themselves. I understand though disagree with your opinion, in order to demonstrate this I wanted to know why you thought cyclists that never use the roads felt the need to wear helmets, if it's dangerous roads that are the problem why do people that are not on the road wear a helmet?

Sorry didn't think I'd suggested pedaling up the canal was dangerous , which I don't think btw . I'm meaning on the road situations where riders may feel safer . I went out the other day rode down the canal in a beanie cos I shave my head and wanted to stay warm , but when I exited at Manchester city centre and returned home via then road network I put on my helmet . So in short NCN not really needed at all main road yer takes yer choice do it t don't do it

 

[mobi]

I have not read the whole thread....

But I understand that in other European countries, there are separate lanes for cyclists. In UK, this is few and far between and cyclists often share road with cars. So, a helmet makes sense.

Personally, I don't even have a helmet and I am a leisure cyclists.

 

[Colin B]

I had a look and found some footage somebody had shot from the top deck of the bus, I enjoyed the chap riding his bike without a helmet on
Of course it's ugle and dirty and horrible and not cycle friendly but I would disagree with you that wearing a helmet makes you safer, however if wearing a helmet which makes you feel safer is the difference between you riding and not, then you should of course wear one.

Not the place to take the kids riding on a Saturday but on the + side fallowfield loops just down the road

 

[snorri]

From my own observations I think there is little difference in the percentage of sporting cyclists wearing helmets in UK and mainland Europe, the big difference is in the utility/ leisure/recreational sectors.
I think it's understandable that a high proportion of cycle sport enthusiasts wear helmets, as they appear to regard occasional crashes as part of the game.
Perhaps many leisure and recreational cyclists in the UK see themselves as racing wannabes

 

[Mugshot]

Nice commute to work by the way .

It's very very nice and generally well maintained too is nice to just pop on and off it as needed for a bit of a respite or to shorten or lengthen your journey.

 

[Colin B]

From my own observations I think there is little difference in the percentage of sporting cyclists wearing helmets in UK and mainland Europe, the big difference is in the utility/ leisure/recreational sectors.
I think it's understandable that a high proportion of cycle sport enthusiasts wear helmets, it would scare me rigid to be flying along in close formation, I'd want a suit of armour!
Perhaps many leisure and recreational cyclists in the UK see themselves as racing wannabes

Lol racing I hit 17 mph and thought wow between gasps

 

[Markymark]

Would I be right in guessing they didn't cycle either?

Both serious cyclists but never wear helmets unless forced.

 

[Mugshot]

I have not read the whole thread....

But I understand that in other European countries, there are separate lanes for cyclists. In UK, this is few and far between and cyclists often share road with cars. So, a helmet makes sense.

Personally, I don't even have a helmet and I am a leisure cyclists.

Maybe you should

 

[Mugshot]

Both serious cyclists but never wear helmets unless forced.

Odd thing for them to ask about then

 

[MarkF]

My experience of towpath riding would lead me to wear a life jacket rather than a helmet as I've never hit my head, but I have ended up up to my waist in the canal whilst still sat on my bike.

I see that every summer, it always gives me much pleasure. Not as much as the newbie boaters who get their boats snagged on the lock gates, seeing those go up 45 degrees is better than seeing 10 wet cyclists. Now, they need helmets.

 

[rebelpeter]

MOD EDIT: There is no need to use bold font.

I think its a bit mad not to wear a helmet they are life savers, one crack on the head can give u the rest of your life brain damaged, gotta be worth it as got knocked off a few years ago a car tried to get between me and a car from theopposite Way smashed into the back of me i went up and fell my helmet hit one of those yellow posts the gas board often have they stick up a few feet my head hit it. The copper who came said you would have been probably dead or brain damaged had you not had a helmet, its crazy not to wear one motor bikes wear them cyclist can come off just as easy, i would not go out the door without one when im biking.

 

[uclown2002]

I think its a bit mad not to wear a helmet they are life savers, one crack on the head can give u the rest of your life brain damaged, gotta be worth it as got knocked off a few years ago a car tried to get between me and a car from theopposite Way smashed into the back of me i went up and fell my helmet hit one of those yellow posts the gas board often have they stick up a few feet my head hit it. The copper who came said you would have been probably dead or brain damaged had you not had a helmet, its crazy not to wear one motor bikes wear them cyclist can come off just as easy, i would not go out the door without one when im biking.

 

[MontyVeda]

I think its a bit mad not to wear a helmet they are life savers, one crack on the head can give u the rest of your life brain damaged, gotta be worth it as got knocked off a few years ago a car tried to get between me and a car from theopposite Way smashed into the back of me i went up and fell my helmet hit one of those yellow posts the gas board often have they stick up a few feet my head hit it. The copper who came said you would have been probably dead or brain damaged had you not had a helmet, its crazy not to wear one motor bikes wear them cyclist can come off just as easy, i would not go out the door without one when im biking.

if i had a pound for each error in this post... I'd have a fair few quid in my pocket.

 

[steveindenmark]

Rebelpeter, you dont need to shout.

I find it hard to take advice from someone who thinks he can take medical advice from a police officer. There is no comparison between a cycle helmet and a motorbike helmet. I have been riding bikes without a helmet for 50 years and I am still Ok .

 

[MontyVeda]

If we are going to get picky, it would be number of errors.

i always edit after posting... see my edit