Helmet
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Definition
A helmet is a solid hat-like piece of safety gear that is fastened to the top of the head. It is intended to protect the delicate head of a cyclist from impact with the ground or other objects such as cars, low overpasses or branches, or other cyclists by absorbing that impact.
Ways To Wear A Helmet
A helmet is put on by placing it on top of the head and fastening the chin strap snugly under the chin to hold it in place. It is suggested by helmet-fit experts that the device be worn low on the forehead to protect the entire head.
Ways Not To Wear A Helmet
Some helmet-wearers choose to wear their helmet further back on the head like a protective yarmulke.
Others chose to fasten their helmet to their handlebars or backpack with the chin strap, although it is unknown what this style of helmet-wearing is intended to protect.
Still others place the helmet on top of the head, but do not fasten the chin strap. In the event of an accident, the helmet will fly off. But while riding, it looks more safe.
Cool Vs. Uncool
Some people say helmets look ridiculous. These people are correct.
However,
Others say brain damage is more ridiculous and significantly reduces the sex appeal of the rider. These people are also correct.
Helmets And The Law
There is no federal law in the US requiring helmet use by cyclists. Many states require the use of helmets by riders under a certain age, usually between 14 and 18.
Controversy
The use of helmets by cyclists is a continuing source of controversy and heated discussion. There are two main sources of disagreement among cyclists: whether helmets are effective and safe, and whether helmet use ought to be required by law. While the latter debate is arguably beyond the scope of this wiki, the question of whether helmets are effective in the first place is of interest to every cyclist. People on both sides of the effectiveness-and-safety divide cite studies to support their views.
Studies and satire aside, there are arguments both for and against wearing helmets.
- FOR:
Helmets are designed to help dissipate energy from specific types of impact (namely low-speed, from angles at which helmets will normally hit things). When these impacts are a result of a crash, it's good to have the helmet be the thing taking the impact instead of your head--a helmetless impact with a hard object can cause secondary collision between brain and cranium. Wearing a helmet makes you more visible to other people, and lets them know that you're thinking about safety, so they'll give you more room on the road.
- AGAINST:
Helmets tend to be uncomfortable and/or heavy. The type of impact for which helmets are designed is rare, which makes them not worth the lack of comfort. The protruding elements of a helmet can contribute to twisting injuries to the neck. Drivers see you wearing a helmet so will think that you'll be fine even if they do screw up and hit you, so won't take any type of action for your benefit (including giving you necessary room).
Helmet Manufacturers
- Bell
- Giro
- Louis Garneau
- Specialized
