Cunobelin wrote:Actually the increasing use of helmets in events is another demonstration of a problem with helmets and their unsuitability / inadequacy
In the UK we use a standard (EN1078 that is laughably weak and inappropriate. There are a number of organisations that recognise this.
One large organisation that organises Sportives on an National basis clearly feels that the EN1078 helmets are inadequate as they state in their requirements that :t is mandatory that all riders wear a safety approved cycling helmet complying with latest ANSI Z90/4 or SNELL standards.
Interesting that they have insisted on helmets that exceed the standard for sale in the UK
One wonders where the Magic Cutoff is between too rubbish to bother with (quoting Brucey, "I was forced to wear a helmet (a bad helmet, worse than useless)" speaking of the 70s) and perfectly adequate for the job is. But one thing that makes that hard to answer is what is "the job"? is it the specification, is it what is widely assumed (life-savers, on numerous occasions), some vague touchy-feely "safer", or what? Personally I'd go with the spec, and I do note that the folk making and selling the things don't make any claims beyond they meet a given spec. The spec is based on mitigating minor injuries in low speed impacts with no other vehicle.
I like mine for warding off small overhanging tree branches on single-track, which is well within spec.
Pete.