After 500+ threads...

For all discussions about this "lively" subject. All topics that are substantially about helmet usage will be moved here.
Darkman
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Joined: 30 Aug 2019, 8:46pm

Re: After 500+ threads...

Post by Darkman »

End of the day, wear one, or don't. It isn't law, and if you believe a helmet won't save your life then the only person you're going to kill by NOT wearing one, is yourself.

I always wear one, but I'm not going to preach because, bluntly... I don't care whether other folk do or not.

I think this is pretty much the helmet forum, summed up.
Mike Sales
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Re: After 500+ threads...

Post by Mike Sales »

Oldjohnw wrote:Odd. I don't know how an opinion different to mine is relevant since I didn't express an opinion in the first place. I am not part of any helmet wearing elite: I don't wear a helmet! So I am not of that persuasion! And I never said that the debate was either futile or boring!


When I reread our exchanges I do not find an antagonistic tone. They seem to be a reasonable exchange of views, and not objectionable.
I did not suggest that you said that helmet debates are futile and boring, but the idea that they go nowhere I cannot agree with. Very occasionally minds are changed, and it is worthwhile, I think, to put the case against, because it is so seldom made.
My characterisation of the lycra and polystyrene road warriors was not meant to include you, but was an attempt to show where I stand and why I posted, and to explain why this debate goes on and on without reaching a conclusion. I am very unwilling to see the helmet consensus go without challenge, for the reasons I have been trying to express.
If this has upset you I must apologise sincerely.
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It's the rich what gets the pleasure
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mjr
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Re: After 500+ threads...

Post by mjr »

Darkman wrote:End of the day, wear one, or don't. It isn't law, and if you believe a helmet won't save your life then the only person you're going to kill by NOT wearing one, is yourself.

I always wear one, but I'm not going to preach because, bluntly... I don't care whether other folk do or not.

I think this is pretty much the helmet forum, summed up.

Not quite. It's mostly fuelled by those who do care whether their fellow humans harm themselves or others either by not taking every reasonable precaution to protect themselves (pro-helmet view) or by believing the "common sense" junk science and emotional blackmail supporting magic hats (anti-helmet view).
MJR, mostly pedalling 3-speed roadsters. KL+West Norfolk BUG incl social easy rides http://www.klwnbug.co.uk
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pjclinch
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Re: After 500+ threads...

Post by pjclinch »

Darkman wrote:End of the day, wear one, or don't. It isn't law, and if you believe a helmet won't save your life then the only person you're going to kill by NOT wearing one, is yourself.

I always wear one, but I'm not going to preach because, bluntly... I don't care whether other folk do or not.

I think this is pretty much the helmet forum, summed up.


And since your summary doesn't really summarise the actuality, that's a nice illustration of the problem.

Your post implies that there is no effect from a person's behaviour other than on themselves, but that's clearly not the case. Back when my kids were young and I'd be riding with them, all of us without helmets, if we did that in NL nobody batted an eyelid and if we did that in the UK I was subject to shouted abuse for being irresponsible.

This is why CUK's helmet briefing stresses the importance of helmet-free role models.
Often seen riding a bike around Dundee...
Darkman
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Joined: 30 Aug 2019, 8:46pm

Re: After 500+ threads...

Post by Darkman »

Your post implies that there is no effect from a person's behaviour other than on themselves

Well, that may well be your interpretation just to keep the argument going. But you're dead wrong - I implied nothing of the sort.
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Wanlock Dod
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Re: After 500+ threads...

Post by Wanlock Dod »

Something that cycle helmets are rather good at is providing a clearly identifying mark for cyclists to ordinary people, it helps to identify them as an outgroup and emphasises that they are engaging in a very dangerous activity that could result in death.

Something that cycle helmets definitely don't do is persuade ordinary people who do not cycle that cycling is the kind of safe and normal activity that they might consider doing themselves, because normal everyday activities should definitely not require specialist protective equipment.
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