Helmet debate from Helmets in Spain thread

[mattheus]

moderator note: this thread was split from viewtopic.php?p=1669570#p1669570

It's been interesting here over the decades to see how helmet use has gradually become completely normal and not an issue at all.
Just an observation, as this topic made me think of stuff that I never think of anymore.

I think I'd say "common-place" i.e. plenty don't wear them (more so in some niches/activities than others, of course).
[Edit: halfway through typing, I forgot that djb is in Canada! Apologies. My post is about the UK.]

During the pandemic - which of course saw an initial huge surge in leisure cycling - I think I've seen a plateauing in public "pro-helmet" opinion. Now on platforms like twitter it's normal to hear folks annoyed by helmet-shaming. If a motorist criticises non-lid wearers, you now get
MORE people promoting CHOICE
than throwing insults at "idiots who don't care about their brains" etc etc ...

And it's been a while since a random stranger ranted about my bare head.

SORRY THREAD DIVERSION - but HE STARTED IT SIR, NOT ME!!!

[djb]

Mattheuse, its so rare to see cyclists here without helmets, its really a non issue.
Cycling culture here in Quebec is quite strong, so lots of car drivers bike also, so are generally polite and ive never heard of no helmet comments. Im sure there are some, but really, helmet use is like putting on a car seat belt now, its not an issue.

from the answers here, it does seem that in Spain its not strictly enforced, but Im sure that depends on the specific policia that you'd meet. Makes me think of cycling on large highways/motorways in Latin America, often ignored by police, but you just never know.

[mjr]

Mattheuse, its so rare to see cyclists here without helmets, its really a non issue.
Cycling culture here in Quebec is quite strong, so lots of car drivers bike also, so are generally polite and ive never heard of no helmet comments. Im sure there are some, but really, helmet use is like putting on a car seat belt now, its not an issue.

Helmets are nowhere near as effective as seatbelts and Quebec's cycling prevalence and mode share are in the gutter: the highest prevalence (Greater Montreal) is only just over 25% riding in any year, the highest pre-covid modal share (13% in Plateau-Mont-Royal) is only slightly higher than the average of the small English village of South Wootton, and the second-highest is only 9%, below it. During covid, hobby cycling increased but transport cycling (where helmets are more of a nuisance) actually deceased.

The helmet-promoting motorist has got their way in Quebec. Let's hope Spain escapes.

[Tiggertoo]

"helmet-promoting motorist"
I'm quite sure I have never seen a motorist wearing a helmet, where have you, please?

[mjr]

"helmet-promoting motorist"
I'm quite sure I have never seen a motorist wearing a helmet, where have you, please?

There are certain websites... but no, in general, they promote other road users using them.

[djb]

Helmets are nowhere near as effective as seatbelts and Quebec's cycling prevalence and mode share are in the gutter: the highest prevalence (Greater Montreal) is only just over 25% riding in any year, the highest pre-covid modal share (13% in Plateau-Mont-Royal) is only slightly higher than the average of the small English village of South Wootton, and the second-highest is only 9%, below it. During covid, hobby cycling increased but transport cycling (where helmets are more of a nuisance) actually deceased.

The helmet-promoting motorist has got their way in Quebec. Let's hope Spain escapes.

I was just referring to not thinking of putting on a helmet like doing up a car seatbelt, but it seems that you have strong views on this, so I'll leave you folks to it.

[mattheus]

"helmet-promoting motorist"
I'm quite sure I have never seen a motorist wearing a helmet, where have you, please?

I've seen drivers of "sports cars" such as Caterham wearing them.
But more importantly, there are plenty ways to promote something without wearing that thing. N'est ce pas?

[Tiggertoo]

As long as there is no law requiring helmets, I believe it is up to the individual. I always wear one, and I don't care if another does not.

[mjr]

As long as there is no law requiring helmets, [...]

There is, in Spain. As such, that increasingly cycling-hostile country is best avoided.

[mattheus]

As long as there is no law requiring helmets, [...]

There is, in Spain. As such, that increasingly cycling-hostile country is best avoided.

Ha! You walked right into that one, Tiggertoo

[pjclinch]

It's been interesting here over the decades to see how helmet use has gradually become completely normal and not an issue at all.
Just an observation, as this topic made me think of stuff that I never think of anymore.

That it's been normalised doesn't mean there are no issues with it. If everyone wears one you have no information on how many other people might be cycling if they didn't have to wear one (whether through legal or cultural pressure).

Having to wear a helmet isn't like wearing a seatbelt, because seatbelts are built in to the car, don't ever get sweaty, don't need storing about one's person after a drive, don't need replacing every ~4 years even if nothing much happens to them, don't mess up hair & conflict with preferences for personal appearance and don't broadcast a suggestion that driving is dangerous and remarkably productive of head injury. Any of those things can be a barrier to cycling for some people, and everyone who is put off is an own goal against public health and the environment.

Helmets for motorcycling are completely normalised in the UK. Lots of people choose to not motorcycle though.

Pete.

[thirdcrank]

moderator note: this thread was split from viewtopic.php?p=1669570#p1669570

Hooray! With my thanks to whoever undertook the work.

[djb]

wow, I had no idea you guys have a whole area for talking about helmets.

obviously some of you have issues with wearing helmets, guess all I can say is that I choose to wear one. I ride every day in traffic etc and know the brain injury risk is less with one if I go down in a certain way.
Some people here don't, that's one choice.
None of you are friends or people I care about, so wear one or not. Assess the risk of specific riding, just as most Dutch people do.
It's up to you and I have no opinion on what you internet folks do.

I'll leave you guys and gals to this, off soon on two wheels this Canadian Feb morning, -17c with wind chill at -28c, so as well as having my mirror on it and offering some head protection, my helmet helps keep my head warm.

safe and enjoyable riding, that's what we do share in bicycle forums, is the joy of riding these two wheeled things.

[Tiggertoo]

As long as there is no law requiring helmets, [...]

There is, in Spain. As such, that increasingly cycling-hostile country is best avoided.

I don't consider it ethical to take one part of another's post and use it to your advantage.

[horizon]

I'll leave you guys and gals to this, off soon on two wheels this Canadian Feb morning, -17c with wind chill at -28c, so as well as having my mirror on it and offering some head protection, my helmet helps keep my head warm.

Watch out for the lorries.