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.
Do you prefer to CYCLE or WALK?
Fs4b
Answer
Cycling is the use of bicycles, or - less commonly - unicycles, tricycles, quadricycles and other similar wheeled human powered vehicles (HPVs) as a means of transport, a form of recreation or a sport. It is done on roads and paths, across open country, through tunnels, over bridges, on snow, or even over ice (icebiking).As a sport, cycling is governed internationally by the Union Cycliste Internationale in Switzerland (for upright bicycles) and by the International Human Powered Vehicle Association (for other HPVs, or human-powered vehicles). Cycling for transport and touring is promoted on a European level by the European Cyclists' Federation, with associated members from Great Britain, Japan and elsewhere. Regular conferences on cycling for transport are held under the auspices of Velo City; global conferences are coordinated by Velo MondialIn many countries, the most commonly used vehicle for road transport is a utility bicycle. These have frames with so-called relaxed geometry, protecting the rider from shocks from the road, and easing low speeds steering. Road bikes tend to have a more upright shape and a shorter wheelbase, which make the bike more mobile but harder to ride slowly. The design, coupled with low or dropped handlebars, requires the rider to bend forward more, which reduces air resistance at high speed.
The price of a new bicycle can range from US$50 to more than US$20,000[3], depending on quality, type and weight (the most exotic road bicycles can weigh as little as 3.2kg (7 lb)) [4]). Being measured for a bike and taking it for a test ride are recommended before buying.
The drivetrain components of the bike should also be considered. A middle grade dérailleur is sufficient for a beginner, although many utility bikes come equipped with hub gears. If the rider plans a significant amount of hillclimbing, a triple-crank (three chainrings) front gear system may be preferred. Otherwise, the relatively lighter and less expensive two chainrings may be better.
Many road bikes include clipless pedals to which special shoes attach via a cleat, permitting the rider to pull on the pedals as well as push. Other possible accessories for the bicycle include locks, mudguards (UK)/fenders (US), luggage carriers and pannier bags, water bottles and bottle cages.
Cycling with just a backpack in london
Cycling with just a backpack in london
For basic maintenance and repairs, cyclists can choose to carry a pump, a spare inner tube, a CO2 cartridge, a puncture repair kit and tyre levers. Cycling can be more efficient and comfortable with special shoes, gloves, and shorts. In wet weather, riding can be more tolerable with waterproof clothes, such as cape, jacket, trousers and overshoes.
Items legally required in some jurisdictions, or voluntarily adopted for safety reasons, include bicycle helmets, generator or battery operated lighting, and audible signaling devices such as a bell or horn. Extras include studded tires and a bicycle computer.
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