Helmets on bicycles but not motorcycles... what?!? Opinions Please!!!?

LyndsayJF

In Columbus, Ohio, they are considering making it illegal for kids under 18 to not have a helmet on when wearing a bike.

Well that's all fine and well I suppose... except that motorcyclists here in Columbus aren't even required to wear helmets!!!

Thoughts...?
Yeah, good point. I don't know. My dad rides a Harley... doesn't wear a helmet... probably won't unless they say he has to...

But I have nothing to worry about as long as little Billy on his training wheels is safe! ;)

Answer
Well obviously this situation has come about because of the different lobbying power of the motorcyclists and the kids (kids have none!). It could be a trojan horse law to make the motorbike situation look silly, and ease the introduction of compulsory motorbike helmets (there's always a bureaucrat who has an orgasm when the road toll goes down a bit).

The philosophical argument is that adults can make their own decisions, but we as a society have to protect children.

My own argument, as someone who ride both bicycles and motorbikes, is that motorbike helmets should be compulsory: lots of kids ride minibikes and need the example, it's VERY easy to die crashing a motorcycle, even at low speed, if you don't have a helmet. Evolution designed the human body to crash at running speed or less: about 20km/h. By the same token, it's actually very difficult to die crashing a motorbike if you have a helmet, at least up to speeds of 100+ km/h, depending on the circumstances of course.

Riding a bicycle on the other hand is far less dangerous and although a helmet's not a bad idea, it should not be compulsory. The helmet is an impediment, and expense, something to not lose and to carry around, all for a small gain in safety. Not worth it.

Socially, public health has to pay for dead and maimed motorcyclists. The 'my choice my freedom' argument has some power, but if helmet laws were repealed tomorrow in my town, the emergency room would fill up with (even more) smashed up motorcyclists. Best if this doesn't happen.

In California to legally operate a bicycle that also has a small motor, is a Drivers license required? Helmet?

Mike

Do I need a license? Some say I do, some say it I do not. What about a helmet? Please, I would like a real answer.

Answer
most states (im not 100% shure caly is one of them, but i am pretty shure it is) require a small motor vheicle operators license to operate anything with a motor on a public street, a helmet is a safty thing, and i would reccomend one even if it is not, but some states say if you are under 21 you need one, over is optional, and the rest say it is required nomatter what age you are

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What clothing do you recommend for riding your bicycle to work in the rain?

jellymouse

How do I stay warm and dry in the chilly (sometimes cold), wet winters in northern California? What things are necessities and what things are a waste of my money? Please give suggestions for the top of my head all the way down to the tips of my toes! Recommendations of specific brands are helpful, too.

Answer
It's been my experience that when choosing clothes for wear during inclement weather situations you have four concerns, they're affordable, keeps you dry, maintains your own level of comfort, and allows you to remain visible to motorists and pedestrians. Performancebike.com has a good selection of women's rain wear to look at, along with specs on what situations are best for those particular items. They're usually reasonable priced and if you like to shop around to compare prices before making purchases, performance bike also sells through through amazon.com.

I noticed a few guys plugging Goretex clothing. And while Goretex products are goods, if not the best, for cold and rainy days if you look at the listings on the Goretex website link provided below, they're not inexpensive in the least. The least expensive pair of waterproof pants is $100 dollars US, and the one they've made expressly for female bicyclists is twice that amount, so I'd really have to hope that those rainy days are vicious and often to justify the expense.

I can say this much confidently. If you get yourself a cap to wear under the helmet, a pair of pants and a jacket/coat that will keep your head and body dry from the rain, what you wear underneath will not matter in the least. The only concern you'll have is bicycle lighting, footwear, and socks at this point. And honestly, just about any type of comfortable waterproof footwear will do, if you're using regular pedals as opposed to clips. Best of luck to you. Ride smartly and safely.

What would be a good bicycle for the road?

purple g

I'm going to start bicycling 18 miles a week to get to my friends house. I will be riding on a county road. It is not very populated, and takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes to get there. I'm very new to bicycling long distances, and I was wondering what would be a good pedal bike to purchase for this distance. Is there a specific type of bike for riding on concrete? I currently own a mountain bike but I'm not sure if that is good for the road. Any tips or advice? Any accessories you would suggest for the road?
Thank you so much for any and all answers.

Answer
If it's all paved 100% of the way - go for a road bike. One more option would be a 'performance hybrid' or flat bar road bike as they are also called. The performance hybrid will put you in a slightly more upright sitting/riding position, but at the expense of a little speed.

Accessories? Always carry along an under-the-seat bag with a spare tube or at least a patch kit - tire levers & a way to inflate the tire once fixed...a frame pump or CO2 cartridge. Padded cycling shorts & a cycling jersey or other shirt that helps to 'wick away' moisture & perspiration. Socks too - plain old cotton tube socks when you perspire are an open invitation to athlete's foot. Go for something of a synthetic material. A good breathable helmet & a water bottle!

Articles on clothing, essentials & hydration on links below.

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