Such a sad story, and worth repeating to those who don't want to wear a helmet.

Yes, I agree. I've been in two major falls on my bike and one on a kick scooter (a razor like scooter). The first time I was doored while riding my bike past a parked car. I hit my head, luckily helmeted, on the concrete. I got up and rode off after dusting myself off. Second time was when I slid out in a mucky puddle, broke my ankle - I don't remember hitting my head but I think I did. The last time on my kickscooter which went out from under me was the only time I almost passed out. I had to keep myself conscious. I had a headache for a day or so, a cut upper lip needing stitches, a black eye and road rash.

But all three times, I know the helmet stopped me from having a much worse injury. I see people without helmets, riding the wrong way on the street or on the sidewalk and I pray they never get thrown off their bike or hit by a driver who won't see them coming.

But I rode many a mile on my bike as a kid, didn't wear a helmet, and never fell. I also rode many a mile on a horse, no helmet, fell off a few times with no problems. But now, I would never ride without a helmet on a horse or a bike.

creakinator:

Yeah, at my ... ahem ... mature age I have no athletic ability or much chance of IMPROVING my brain power, so I figure the present gray matter had better be protected the best I can!

I have had two motorcycle accidents (including hitting a deer), and both times my helmeted head bounced off the pavement with an unforgettable "POKK!" noise. My bruises and road rash healed eventually, but every time I recall either of thsoe two incidents I always thank the good Lord I decided to put on the brain bucket. I have since sold the motorcycle, but I never bicycle without a helmet on. My wife calls me a "hard-head" once in a while, but I can guarantee the pavement is harder. You can always buy a new helmet, but even second-rate brains like mine are not yet available for sale...

Well, I must admit that there are times I don't wear my helmet. One of them being when I ride self-contained along the C&O and GAP trails and also along some of the other crushed limestone rail trails. I guess I should but....plus, this is one debate I'm staying far, far away from .

Walt

I must admit that I've been rather cocky about riding without a helmet since I started riding a trike. I mean, what could possibly go wrong, right?

Well, this discussion got me to thinking, and today I did the right thing and got a new helmet (which I plan to actually wear.)

Thanks for the metaphorical smack upside the head guys. Better from you than the pavement.

Besides, wearing a bicycle helmet tells folks you're not riding a bike because (a) your car is in the shop, or (b) you lost your license DUI, or (c) you're too poor to afford motorized transportation, but because you WANT TO RIDE IT, thank you very much.

So it's a political statement, ok. But should you wear it into Starbucks? I'm not so sure about the people who do that.

Given the fact that there is no Starbuck's within fifty miles of my home, I don't have a ready answer for that question. I suppose if you fear that the helmet would get stolen if you left it on the bike you might have a good reason to CARRY it in, but unless you're afraid of getting bonked on the noggin by a ceramic latte mug then you ought to doff it before entering.