Shaz
Recently I fell off my bike and landed on my face, giving me lots of painful facial grazes and cuts...wasn't too nice. I wasn't wearing a helmet at the time but someone told me that it wouldn't have made a difference because I landed on my face and that actually a helmet could have broken my neck or made the injury worse.
Does anyone know if this is true cos it's making me unsure as to whether I should wear a helmet next time I cycle or not?
Answer
In the UK the CTC [1] are against compulsory helmet use. They reason that it has demonstrably damaged the case for cycling in countries where such a law has been introduced.
However, I always wear a helmet. It is sometimes hot and uncomfortable, but I firmly believe that it provides good protection against brain damage. Richard Ballantine [2] was very much of the same opinion in his original Bicycle Book.
Many cycling accidents happen at low speed where the rider is pitched over the handlebars and the head is the first contact with the ground.
If a helmet works and saves a rider from injury, then no government statistic or hospital records will be created. Instead there will be one more helmet purchase as a grateful rider buys a replacement! So any statistics on helmets making an injury worse or not preventing an injury will be substantially skewed by the silent majority of cases.
Now to your specific case: Yep, it must really hurt injuring your face like that. But your face absorbed the impact that your brain could have receieved had you landed slightly differently. The fact that a helmet sticks out about 1.5 inches might have reduced the impact to your face. If a helmet were worn incorrectly (such as tilted right back; something I frequently see) then it might damage your neck. However, worn correctly and with the straps done up, I fail to see how it could make the situation worse. Anyway, facial injuries may be unpleasant and require plastic surgery, but they are a lot more recoverable than brain injuries.
So, on balance, I'd suggest you wear a helmet and ignore the alarmist view that caused you to post your question.
In the UK the CTC [1] are against compulsory helmet use. They reason that it has demonstrably damaged the case for cycling in countries where such a law has been introduced.
However, I always wear a helmet. It is sometimes hot and uncomfortable, but I firmly believe that it provides good protection against brain damage. Richard Ballantine [2] was very much of the same opinion in his original Bicycle Book.
Many cycling accidents happen at low speed where the rider is pitched over the handlebars and the head is the first contact with the ground.
If a helmet works and saves a rider from injury, then no government statistic or hospital records will be created. Instead there will be one more helmet purchase as a grateful rider buys a replacement! So any statistics on helmets making an injury worse or not preventing an injury will be substantially skewed by the silent majority of cases.
Now to your specific case: Yep, it must really hurt injuring your face like that. But your face absorbed the impact that your brain could have receieved had you landed slightly differently. The fact that a helmet sticks out about 1.5 inches might have reduced the impact to your face. If a helmet were worn incorrectly (such as tilted right back; something I frequently see) then it might damage your neck. However, worn correctly and with the straps done up, I fail to see how it could make the situation worse. Anyway, facial injuries may be unpleasant and require plastic surgery, but they are a lot more recoverable than brain injuries.
So, on balance, I'd suggest you wear a helmet and ignore the alarmist view that caused you to post your question.
Is it the law to wear a helmet while biking?
Q. I live in Vancouver, BC. What are the laws about bike safety?
Answer
I wonder if they beat you over the head with batons if you refuse?
In the UK bicycle helmets are optional.
I wonder if they beat you over the head with batons if you refuse?
In the UK bicycle helmets are optional.
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Title Post: Is a bike helmet really safe?
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