Unnecessary
Safer
Uncomfortable
Mandatory
Beneficial
Required
Helpful
False Protection
Stupid
Cooler
Hot
Depressing
I’ve been studying all sorts of information on bike helmet safety and listening to many different opinions on the pros and cons of wearing or not wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle or electric bike. There are many very good views on both sides of this issue. In my years riding bikes, I have been on both sides of this issue.
In my youth we didn’t wear helmets at all. When I had kids, we made them wear helmets from the beginning and as parents we set an example by also wearing helmets. When I started riding my analog pedal bike about 9 years ago, I only wore a baseball cap and had no desire to wear a helmet. In fact, I kind of hated the idea of wearing one.
Then came electric bikes. I was fascinated by them from the first time I saw one on the trails. I wanted to exercise, but I rode so far sometimes it was really challenging to get back to the car and I would get off the bike exhausted and sore. I took my time to investigate e-bikes and finally chose the right one for me. That was a little over 2 years ago. I immediately started to wear a helmet.
My e-bike is:
- Heavier 80lbs
- Faster 15-20mph cruising speed
- Less nimble 4” fat tires
Maybe the bulk of the bike made me feel a little vulnerable until I got used to it. Maybe the speed and lack of nimbleness made me want the extra protection I thought a helmet would provide. I’ve gotten used to wearing it and never go without it. I’ve had a couple of falls and the helmet has protected my head from some bumps and bruises.
Should you wear a helmet? Not if it prevents you from riding and getting exercise. They are finding in areas where helmet use is required there are less people riding bikes. The exercise is more beneficial than the protection of the helmet. A few countries require helmets for everyone: Argentina, Cyprus, Japan, Some provinces in Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.
Some countries are very safe for bikers because they have developed infrastructure that separates bikes from vehicle traffic. People in these countries hardly ever wear helmets and have a very low rate of injury for bikers. Plus, lots of people ride bikes in these countries and that makes everyone more aware of them and thus more cautious around them.
America is starting to provide some infrastructure for bikers but is far behind other countries. We have trials but still too many intersections to cross and bike lanes along busy highways that just don’t provide much protection for cyclists. We are still enamored of our automobiles, and many seem to view bikers as a nuisance.
So, what is the solution? Do you have to wear a helmet? That is a question only you can answer, and we should not judge others who decide differently. The main thing is that everybody gets out on their bike as much as possible. More people on bikes will make it safer for all of us because they are finding the more drivers see bikers the more aware they are as the drive.
Be flashy! Wear bright colored clothing so others, especially drivers will notice you.
Use lights on your bike: Flashing front and rear lights help you get noticed.
When you buy a new bike, get a bright color. My bike is bright yellow.
If you wear a helmet, get a bright color also and if possible one with lights.
Practice good bike safety:
• Obey traffic laws.
• Slow down and look both ways before you enter an intersection.
• Be patient with others.
• Be friendly and helpful.
• Ride to the right and pass on the left.
• Watch your speed and slow down around other bikers and pedestrians.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
I’m going to continue to wear my helmet because I’m used to it. It keeps my head cooler and has a flashing light on the back to make drivers notice me when I’m on the roads. At times I wish I felt free to just go back to my baseball cap and enjoy the freedom I used to have on my pedal bike, but I feel safer with my helmet and so for now that’s the way I’ll roll.