I have cycled many places: short trips (less than a kilometre to the local shops) and long trips (5 weeks across Europe). I frequently use roads, including roads where cars can travel fast close by me, but I also take cycle paths and routes where cars aren't allowed as well.
No matter what route I take, and no matter how short the journey, I
always wear a helmet.
It's just common sense.
Yet so many people think they are better than that. They would wear a helmet if only it would fit with their outfit. They would wear a helmet if they cycled on roads, but they stick to cycle paths and don't see the need. They have cycled for years without having an accident, so don't see the need.
Well, the last time I had a cycle accident was a number of years ago... and a fair few
thousand kilometres ago. I've heard so many stupid excuses. I've even seen people wearing their helmets, but not doing up the strap. Personally, I think that's even
more stupid!
Although it's not to do with cycling,
this article mentions scooter riding. Scooters may not travel as fast a bikes, but their function is much the same. In fact, they are possibly
more dangerous because most scooter riders use the pavement and have to avoid pedestrians.
The article says:
"Almost
half of those who were injured sustained head injuries; 15 percent
suffered traumatic brain injuries. Behind head injuries, upper extremity
fractures accounted for 27 percent of injuries, followed by lower
extremity fractures at 12 percent."
So head injuries are common. Most alarmingly is this statistic that immediately follows:
"Alarmingly, just one out 190 injured individuals was wearing a helmet prior to sustaining an injury."
In my opinion, that is a LOT of stupid people.
And I don't mind saying so.
Wear helmets. Use lights when it's dark. And, stupid people, make sure you stay on the correct side of the road!
If you don't have common sense, then I won't have much compassion when you end up in an accident.
