Monday, May 9, 2011

Opposing View Points: Helmets


In favor:
Helmets save lives. Plain and simple.

It's like a seat belt. Just wear it, and if something unfortunate happens, you'll be more likely to survive it.

How is there even an argument against wearing helmets?

Opposed:
Your Magic Styrofoam Hat isn't going to save your life if you get hit by a car. What is going to save your life are your riding skills, and awareness of your surroundings.

All of which begs the question of the inherent dangerous nature of bicycling. Cycling is not dangerous. Things like mandatory helmet laws and Bike Safety Month are turn people away from cycling by suggesting that cycling is so dangerous that it requires special equipment and month long awareness campaigns.

Where do I stand?
Somewhere in between. I don't think helmets are Magic Styrofoam Hats. And I wear one 99% of the time. But there are occasions when I want to go for a ride and feel the wind in my hair because it feels good.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Men who use "begs the question" correctly (i.e. to indicate that something that needs to be proved is assumed in the premise and not, in error, to mean "raises the question") are sexy.