Mike Sales wrote:Ivor Tingting wrote:I refer you to the OP's title and question.Re: Helmets in Spain
The real world position is being worn on your head as with cycling anywhere in the world. When in Rome as they say. If you wear a helmet anyway there is not an issue. I come from personal choice of self preservation. There is no way I would want the awkward situation of being in a country where I couldn't speak the language, my Spanish is very poor, of having to pay an on the spot fine of unknown quantity should I be stopped by an over zealous copper and his friend for not wearing one. I should imagine any on the spot fine would easily exceed the cost of a basic cycle helmet. But each to their own.
Yes, the O.P. asked about the enforcement position, not about efficacy, as I understand it. Certainly responders seemed to think so.
I am not clear what your first sentence means.
Clearly if you are going to be fined for not wearing, a helmet is a good idea. I would count a helmet law as a minus in deciding on a holiday tour.
You seemed to feel the need to go further in helmet advocacy than informing about the likelihood of getting pinched.
As you admitted, advocacy belongs in the helmet ghetto.
What is the helmet ghetto? Re-read what the OP originally asked which is what I quoted for your convenience above. No mention of enforcement, YOU have assumed this. Ok it can be implied but also so can other important issues such as what the Spanish law states on wearing or not wearing a cycling helmet and the practical side difficulties if caught riding without a cycle helmet. I believe the law says you must wear a helmet. Obviously if you don't you run the risk of being fined. As I say those who wear a helmet it's non issue, but the OP indicates he won't and his subsequent post is,
further wrote:Thank you all,don't think I will bother wearing one,I have never worn one in the UK
And then,
further wrote:I must admit i hadn't thought about the insurance thing Mmmmm
You seem to be the one fixated on efficacy.
It is raised by oldun in the context of insurance. Why don't you have a go at him? Why are you singling me out? Every one else makes out they don't wear one, a cap instead, so why am I not allowed to say I do and therefore it has not been an issue for me in the past meaning it's a non issue? Just comply with the rules of the country you are visiting. Then you have no worries. When in Rome. Simples.
oldun wrote::lol:mattheus wrote:The helmet would make the same amount of difference as it does in a country where they *aren't* required. So there are very few situations where the insurer could wriggle out of paying much of your claim.
Your choice though - your head!
I wonder if a claim would be paid in full if a non seat belt wearing car driver was involved in an accident were the injuries would have been less severe had he/she been wearing a seat belt . I know insurance companies never try to wriggle out of paying claims , but you never know do you ?.....it could happen .