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.

When insects attack

Yet another reason that I will continue to always wear my helmet, even on the comparatively “safe” bike path: a grasshopper, mid-flight, crashed into my face and got stuck in my beard.

I freaked out so hard. Went into the Death Wobbles and nearly dumped over before recovering.

I don't like the idea of my head bouncing off the cement because of a bug.