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From: diego@cca.UUCP (Diego Gonzalez)
Newsgroups: net.bicycle
Subject: Re: USCF HELMET RULE
Message-ID: <6184@cca.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 13-Feb-86 11:28:08 EST
Article-I.D.: cca.6184
Posted: Thu Feb 13 11:28:08 1986
Date-Received: Sat, 15-Feb-86 02:48:20 EST
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> I have had two head injuries while bicycling in recent years.
> . . .
> 
> One more comment.  I can foresee changing my mind (if I live that
> long :-).  Not because my attitude is wrong, but because my attitudes
> are changing all the time as I get older.  I would prefer to wear a
> helmet because I want to, not because someone insists on it.  I doubt
> some 'preacher' will 'convert' me; I'll make the decision on my own.
> As I already have.  

As a long-time non-helmet cyclist with very few accidents (in 26 years
of riding) I was very reluctant to accept helmet use.  I have used a
helmet regularly for the past 5 years and would like to offer these
observations.

Cyclists, whether motor or pedal, operate with no intervening materials
(except clothing) between themselves and the pavement, poles, walls, and
motor vehicles.  There is a high inherent risk of physical injury in any
accident.  Head injuries, however infrequent, are the most serious that
might be sustained in a biking accident.

In general, I consider myself too be a very good rider with above
average cycling skills.  I have fallen a number of times and managed to
protect my person and my bike.  I have never had a head or face injury
while cycling.  However, considering the potentially irretrievable
damage that might occur in any fall, it seems to make sense to use
available technology for protection.  I have ridden on hot days and
remember in the last miles thinking only of the moment I could stop and
take my helmet off.  There are definitely heat build-up problems with
some models (my **old** Brancale, for one).  But I say that heat
problems are better than "dead" problems any day.

But I'll tell you the main reason why I finally accepted helmet use as a
matter of course.  My wife.  She feels much more reassured of my safety
regardless of my riding prowess.  In a sense, I feel that I am doing
what I can to ensure a successful ride.  I suppose those who feel that
there's nothing worth living for take a different attitude.  I consider
them in the same class with cigarette smokers and drivers who refuse to
wear seat belts.  It's not that someone **wants** to tell others what to
do.  It's that common sense does not always prevail and so costs society
in medical research, hospitalization, and rehabilitation.

Local race and tour sponsors have for several years required
participants to wear helmets for their own safety and to ensure a
tragedy-free experience for all.  That makes sense.  I think the basic
rule of democracy is that one should be free to do as one wishes so long
as one's actions have no adverse effects on others.  When people act in
ways that bring risk or cost to others, then it becomes necessary to
introduce regulations.  Sometimes there isn't time to allow everyone to
evolve to better attitudes.  In a way it's too bad, but in a way it's
not either.  I hope you make a positive decision soon.