1. Bicycle helmets can reduce the chance of serious head injury by __________%. ?

zezo _

Answer
That's a seriously loaded question, and the answer depends on who you ask. Depending on who you ask, you'll get answers from 0% to 88% or so.

The problem is that bicycle helmets protect against minor things -- somebody throwing a beer can at you, slipping and falling, stuff like that. And they only help if the helmet actually hits something -- which is a relatively small percentage of accidents. And they make your head somewhat larger, which actually increases the chance of your head hitting something.

And of course if a car hits you at 60 mph, it doesn't matter how much your helmet helps -- you're still probably dead.

There have been many studies done on helmet effectiveness, and they tend to have an agenda behind them -- they either want to show that helmets are effective (usually to support a proposed requirement for wearing one) or that they're ineffective (usually to oppose a proposed requirement for wearing one.) And depending on how the study is done, you can find data that supports either point of view -- but usually the agenda of the study dictates how the study is done, and the other side of the coin is generally not discussed (or if it is, it's discussed only enough to dismiss it.)

In general, I'd say the `helmets aren't effective' studies are done with more scientific and statistic `rigor' than the `helmets are effective' ones, but in both cases the initial agenda colors the entire study.

All that said, I usually wear a helmet. But I also oppose any attempts at helmet laws, and I'm quite aware that *I* am generally the one responsible for keeping me safe -- not my helmet or gloves or anything else. It might help in a minor accident, but in a serious one, I'm likely to be seriously hurt, helmet or not.

Whenever anybody tells you about the effectiveness of bicycle helmets, consider their biases. I'm somewhat biased towards them not being terribly effective, but I'll acknowledge that voluntary helmet use probably helps more than it hurts in an accident.

But even with my bias, I've tried to be somewhat fair to both sides here. The wikipedia page below gives a relatively good breakdown of both sides. Also make sure you read the 1019.html link -- it explains why `a helmet saved my life!' anecdotes aren't as accurate as one might think.

I am looking for a bicycle helmet. My head is 27" around. I can't find one my size anywhere. Any ideas?

captainauc

That's basically it. I can't find a helmet that will fit my head anywhere. Anyone out there have an abnormally large head like mine that was able to find a good bike helmet? Thanks.

Answer
Bell helmets makes the largest stock helmet I know of. I can't remember the model.

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Is there a difference in bicycle helmets?

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c_schumack

I am looking through a bicycling catalog and the prices range from $25 to over $150 for bicycling helmets. I would assume they all have to meet guidelines for protecting your head - surely the more expensive ones will not protect it 5 times better. There seems to be a thing about the number of air vents. I notice the weight between them all is nearly the same. Other than air vents, what advantages would I notice as a user if I went with a mid priced helmet over the cheapest helmet?

Answer
Weight, venting, and marketing make up the biggest differences in the cost of helmets. Helmets must meet the same standards, so the function of all the helmets is presumably equivalent. However, one way that manufacturers make some models less is expensive is to make less sizes. For example, using 2 molds instead of 3 saves the company development, manufacturing, and distribution costs, but it means less size options for you to get a helmet that fits well.

When it comes to comfort and safety, a good fit is the most important factor. More expensive helmets tend to come in a larger variety of sizes with more control over chin strap and back-of-the-head adjustments. I have found helmets with tensioning systems on the back of the helmet to be the most comfortable and to have the most secure fit.

Definitely go to a bike shop with lots of models and sizes in stock, and then try on a wide variety of options to see what fits your head and your wallet best.

Can skateboard helmets be used for inline skate helmets?

Scrumdiliu

I know that there is a difference between bicycle helmets, skating helmets, skateboard helmets, and snowboarding helmets but I was wondering if skateboard helmets and skate helmets could be used as the same?

I am a new skater and I think it would be idea if I get skate pads, etc.

Also do you recommend a brand? I was looking at Walmart and they seemed pretty safe.

Answer
There are two types of helmets: Bicycle and Multisport.
The names don't really describe the differences but are based on history of their development.

Bicycle helmets are lighter and usually have more air vents to keep you cool. They are usually more aerodynamically shaped. They are designed for the types of accident you get while moving forward and are good for rec/fitness/race skating.

Multisport helmets are designed for protection when there is more risk of hitting the back of your head such as skateboarding or doing tricks on skates or bikes.
They tend to be hotter because of lack of vents. They are tend to have a round shape and cover the back and sides of the head. The lining is made to protect if you hit another object on the way down (like a rail for grinding).

All helmets are only designed for one hard hit. They may not appear to be damaged but they may not protect well against a second hit.

For your skates, get the helmet appropriate for the type of skating you will be doing.

This goes for your pads also. The pads for aggressive and freestyle skating are thicker and cover more area than for rec/fitness/race skating.

For rec/fitness/racing skating, wrist guards are really important. You will almost always slide on your hands. However, I wear aggressive glove style wrist guards because they cover more skin in order to keep it intact.
Knee pads are more optional for "straight ahead" skating. When (not if) you fall, you should be sliding instead of falling straight down. The pads keep the skin from being scraped up. I have found that the scrapes are just below the knee and not just in the area that the pads cover. However, scrapes there heal faster and are not as painful while healing than ones on your hand. Tegaderm is a wonderful way to cover this kind of scrape. It keeps it moist so that you don't have the pain that happens when dry scabs crack and peal. It also is waterproof, can stay on for a week, and can cover large areas.
I have yet to know anyone who has significantly scraped up an elbow in straight ahead skating.

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What are the dimensions of a helmet for inline skating?

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Captain Cr

Most websites give the option of large, medium or small. Besides trying them on, how would I be able to know if they fit?

Answer
There are no standard dimensions. You would need to find a chart for the brand of helmet you are looking at.

Some brands make adjustable helmets that have a seperate headband inside that is adjustable. One advantage of this style is that the band will adjust to the shape of your head.

It is still best to try them on. Some helmets may move around on your head where others will keep their position better.

If you are doing rec/fitness skating, a bicycle helmet is suitable protection and gives you more choices.
If you are doing other types of skating, a multisport helmet will provide more protection to the sides and back of the head.

When riding my bicycle, should I stop at all stop signs and red lights?

vargasdfw

I just bought a bicycle. When I am going in neighborhood streets I feel silly stoping at the stop signs, and on some other streets even stoping at a red light. If a policeman sees me, not stopping, will I get a ticket (????). Please explain how it works.

Answer
A bicycle is considered as a Vehicle, that's the first thing you should know.

In most jurisdictions, bicycles must have functioning front and rear lights when ridden after dark. As some generator or dynamo-driven lamps only operate while moving, rear reflectors are frequently also mandatory. Since a moving bicycle makes little noise, some countries insist that bicycles have a warning bell for use when approaching pedestrians, equestrians and other bicyclists.

You' are expected to obey the rules of the road w/e mode of transportation you are using. Think about it, if you don't stop at the stop sign, you're risking yourself! You never know you might get into an accident. The largest cause of serious and fatal injuries to cyclists is collision with motor vehicles.

Yes, if a policeman saw you, he can and will give you a ticket for beating a red light/not stopping at stop signs. A "failure to stop, Stop sign" citation was worth $122.97 for a cyclist violation and $158.97 for a motorist bust.

One good answer to dealing with a ticket would be to work it off at Bike Traffic School (if there's one close to you)

How to avoid tickets:

Signal your intent â Boost your predictability and get in the habit of signaling your intended path, using hand gestures that let everyone know what you're doing. A lot of right-of-way confusion and resentment can be resolved easily with a few clear hand signals, just point out your path if there are other people around to whom that would be useful information. You'll be surprised at how smoothly things go.

Don't be a right-of-way thief â Rolling s l o o o o o w l y across a stop line at an empty intersection is one thing, but barging in front of someone (car, bike, pedestrian, bus) is bound to draw anger at least and maybe a ticket.

Watch for cops, and don't do anything stupid in front of them â Really, use your head. Traffic officers tell us that they don't try to hide, they sit right out in plain view with their big shiny motorcycles and bright "white dot" helmets and the black and white cars. It's incredible how many cyclists (and motorists and pedestrians) will pull a brazenly illegal maneuver right in front of a cop. If you can't bring yourself to play nice when the police are obviously watching, maybe you need that ticket to clue in.

Nothing in the law says that a "complete stop" requires a cyclist to take his/her foot off the pedal and make contact with the ground. CVC 21201 does say that a bicycle must be small enough for the rider to stop, support with one foot on the ground, and restart safely, but whether or not a complete stop is made ultimately hinges on a police officer's discretion.

Bicycle riders under age 18 must wear a helmet under California law(I don't know what's yours in your state). Riders 18 and older can decide for themselves. If you do choose to wear a helmet, make sure it's properly sized and fitted. Headlights are required for night riding, as are reflectors: red in the back and yellow/white on sides and pedals (reflective whitewalls count).

Maybe you can learn something from this link just disregard the city name I'm pretty sure you don't even live in bay area >.<

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7M-_ueoU2E&eurl=http://www.sfbike.org/?bikelaw_sfpd_video

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What are the dimensions of a helmet for inline skating?

best bicycle helmets for large heads image

Captain Cr

Most websites give the option of large, medium or small. Besides trying them on, how would I be able to know if they fit?

Answer
There are no standard dimensions. You would need to find a chart for the brand of helmet you are looking at.

Some brands make adjustable helmets that have a seperate headband inside that is adjustable. One advantage of this style is that the band will adjust to the shape of your head.

It is still best to try them on. Some helmets may move around on your head where others will keep their position better.

If you are doing rec/fitness skating, a bicycle helmet is suitable protection and gives you more choices.
If you are doing other types of skating, a multisport helmet will provide more protection to the sides and back of the head.

When riding my bicycle, should I stop at all stop signs and red lights?

vargasdfw

I just bought a bicycle. When I am going in neighborhood streets I feel silly stoping at the stop signs, and on some other streets even stoping at a red light. If a policeman sees me, not stopping, will I get a ticket (????). Please explain how it works.

Answer
A bicycle is considered as a Vehicle, that's the first thing you should know.

In most jurisdictions, bicycles must have functioning front and rear lights when ridden after dark. As some generator or dynamo-driven lamps only operate while moving, rear reflectors are frequently also mandatory. Since a moving bicycle makes little noise, some countries insist that bicycles have a warning bell for use when approaching pedestrians, equestrians and other bicyclists.

You' are expected to obey the rules of the road w/e mode of transportation you are using. Think about it, if you don't stop at the stop sign, you're risking yourself! You never know you might get into an accident. The largest cause of serious and fatal injuries to cyclists is collision with motor vehicles.

Yes, if a policeman saw you, he can and will give you a ticket for beating a red light/not stopping at stop signs. A "failure to stop, Stop sign" citation was worth $122.97 for a cyclist violation and $158.97 for a motorist bust.

One good answer to dealing with a ticket would be to work it off at Bike Traffic School (if there's one close to you)

How to avoid tickets:

Signal your intent â Boost your predictability and get in the habit of signaling your intended path, using hand gestures that let everyone know what you're doing. A lot of right-of-way confusion and resentment can be resolved easily with a few clear hand signals, just point out your path if there are other people around to whom that would be useful information. You'll be surprised at how smoothly things go.

Don't be a right-of-way thief â Rolling s l o o o o o w l y across a stop line at an empty intersection is one thing, but barging in front of someone (car, bike, pedestrian, bus) is bound to draw anger at least and maybe a ticket.

Watch for cops, and don't do anything stupid in front of them â Really, use your head. Traffic officers tell us that they don't try to hide, they sit right out in plain view with their big shiny motorcycles and bright "white dot" helmets and the black and white cars. It's incredible how many cyclists (and motorists and pedestrians) will pull a brazenly illegal maneuver right in front of a cop. If you can't bring yourself to play nice when the police are obviously watching, maybe you need that ticket to clue in.

Nothing in the law says that a "complete stop" requires a cyclist to take his/her foot off the pedal and make contact with the ground. CVC 21201 does say that a bicycle must be small enough for the rider to stop, support with one foot on the ground, and restart safely, but whether or not a complete stop is made ultimately hinges on a police officer's discretion.

Bicycle riders under age 18 must wear a helmet under California law(I don't know what's yours in your state). Riders 18 and older can decide for themselves. If you do choose to wear a helmet, make sure it's properly sized and fitted. Headlights are required for night riding, as are reflectors: red in the back and yellow/white on sides and pedals (reflective whitewalls count).

Maybe you can learn something from this link just disregard the city name I'm pretty sure you don't even live in bay area >.<

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7M-_ueoU2E&eurl=http://www.sfbike.org/?bikelaw_sfpd_video

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