Results of cycling accident

[flecc]

As a bald statistic, that could mean riders indulging in behaviour more likely to cause a head injury are more likely to wear helmets.

Exactly, as I posted, riskier forms of riding.

Could be fast road riding, MTB off-road or just taking risks due to the nature of the rider.

As also posted, utility riders are less likely to wear helmets but rarely suffer head injuries, no doubt due to riding more moderately.

It's back to my old argument that we largely control whether we have accidents or not.
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[anotherkiwi]

I wear one:

- on the other side of the border on main roads, that is the law
- on the trike because I ride that like a maniac and having rolled it once it seems like quite a good idea... The head is much closer to the ground, especially when upside down
- when it is really sunny because it has better ventilation than a cap and I am bald.

The author of that article also wears one when it seems like a good idea. Like for me that doesn't include going to work or going to the shops.

 

[mike killay]

I wear one:

- on the other side of the border on main roads, that is the law
- on the trike because I ride that like a maniac and having rolled it once it seems like quite a good idea... The head is much closer to the ground, especially when upside down
- when it is really sunny because it has better ventilation than a cap and I am bald.

The author of that article also wears one when it seems like a good idea. Like for me that doesn't include going to work or going to the shops.

Which country is 'over the border' and what is the law please.

 

[flecc]

Which country is 'over the border' and what is the law please.

Pending AK coming in, it's Spain.

There's no need to wear helmets there in urban areas, but outside them on main roads they are compulsory for cyclists.
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[anotherkiwi]

Which country is 'over the border' and what is the law please.

flecc answered correctly.

I think I may have posted a while back that a helmet did prevent a nasty blow there: thanks to cutbacks there are lots of low hanging branches on the side of Spanish roads.

Another summer benefit I forgot to note is protection from large flying insects. Especially when you are bald...

 

[Trevormonty]

flecc answered correctly.

I think I may have posted a while back that a helmet did prevent a nasty blow there: thanks to cutbacks there are lots of low hanging branches on the side of Spanish roads.

Another summer benefit I forgot to note is protection from large flying insects. Especially when you are bald...

Especially magpies in spring.

 

[mike killay]

Pending AK coming in, it's Spain.

There's no need to wear helmets there in urban areas, but outside them on main roads they are compulsory for cyclists.
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How on earth do legislators delude themselves into nonsense such as that?

 

[chris_n]

How on earth do legislators delude themselves into nonsense such as that?

I guess it's due to accident stats, many times this thread has referred to urban cycling being much safer than 'sports' cycling.

 

[Benjahmin]

How on earth do legislators delude themselves into nonsense such as that?

Obviously the speed differential between vehicle and cyclist dictates the need for protection. That's how.
But then we come back to these helmets being tested to 12mph, good luck with that kind of speed differential on a main road.
I do see sports cyclists riding fast main roads and dual carriageways, I always wonder what on earth motivates them to want to do such a thing? Why put yourself in such obvious peril for the sake of a few seconds? This is where I subscribe to Flecc's view, we bear the major responsibility for our own safety. We seal our fate with the choices we make.

 

[flecc]

How on earth do legislators delude themselves into nonsense such as that?

As Chris says, the utility cyclists most commonly seen in urban areas have far less accidents, mainly because they generally cycle much slower. It's the types racing along along at 20 plus who are most likely to go over their drop handlebars.

Also remember that cycling on the continent is very different, in most countries mainly utility and often leisurely in nature. Britain is uniquely weird in having such a high proportion of cyclists furiously pedalling around helmeted at 20 mph or more as if they are competing in a race. That's something I'm very critical of, since it not only leads to more accidents but also deters the majority from ever taking up cycling.
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[anotherkiwi]

Obviously the speed differential between vehicle and cyclist dictates the need for protection. That's how.
But then we come back to these helmets being tested to 12mph, good luck with that kind of speed differential on a main road.
I do see sports cyclists riding fast main roads and dual carriageways, I always wonder what on earth motivates them to want to do such a thing? Why put yourself in such obvious peril for the sake of a few seconds? This is where I subscribe to Flecc's view, we bear the major responsibility for our own safety. We seal our fate with the choices we make.

I don't have the choice, it is main road or stay at home in front of the telly... Dual carriage roads are verboten in France however.