Quote:
Originally Posted by Ironhorse
The Netherlands also has much better infrastructure with many separated bike lanes, and motor vehicle drivers that are not only conditioned to be more aware of cyclists, but tend to be better drivers in general compared to the average Canadian / American driver. Cycling collision injuries also go up as the speed of the cyclist increases. I don't commute; most of my training rides average 30km/h+, with sprints and descents getting into the 40's and higher. I'll keep wearing my helmet, thanks.
|
Which is why I wear a helmet when I'm riding at speed in traffic, and don't wear a helmet when I'm riding around the neighbourhood or on the bike paths.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ironhorse
And what kind of cast iron lids are some of you guys wearing that it "bothers you"? I can barely feel my helmet, and have wandered around the house with it after a ride.
|
If they're no hassle at all, why don't people wear them when they're walking around? More than twice as many children every year suffer head injuries while walking than when cycling, and seven times more pedestrians than cyclists are killed by cars.
Deaths per 100 million trips:
Walking - 15
Cycling - 14
Driving - 10
There's no question hundreds of lives and serious injuries would be saved if pedestrians all walked around wearing helmets. We don't because it's uncomfortable and a hassle for everyday activities. We're not willing to sacrifice that much convenience and comfort for safety. The Dutch don't wear helmets cycling for the same reason. The difference is Canadians don't really regard cycling as a normal, everyday activity and the Dutch do.