I hope it remains personal choice!

Whilst it makes sense for commuting or mountain biking, being forced to wear one to pop down the local shop, or cycle down a canal path seems complete overkill.

I used to wear a helmet until I found out how limited the protection they provide is.

As soon as you start moving, you exceed the design specification.

Also, motorists DO give you more space as you are then a person to them and not a strange thing under an odd streamlined hat.

We have been persuaded by clever marketing.

Going down to the shop, what if I can turns, hits you and on the way down you head hits the kerb side, a wall. I know of two people that have died because of this kind of injury.

Common sense prevails here. I'm sorry but helmets should be worn. You just don't know what will happen at any time. This your life, people should respect it. Having survived a head on collision with a car, my helmet saved my life. I never ride with out one.

I would like to hear a sensible reason why cyclists shouldn't wear helmets. I just can't see why you shouldn't.

@chriscdesign

Saying "a helmet saved my life" is purely anecdotal and there's no evidence to say you wouldn't be here otherwise. It is a common mistake people make.

Mandatory helmets laws reduce cycling numbers and less people cycling means those that continue are at more risk.

There are more head injuries for pedestrians and car drivers than cyclists and yet neither are required to wear a helmet!

A cycle helmet is pathetic in the event of an accident, 15mph is the limit to their effectiveness, so useless if you get hit by a car. They also excuse bad driving since you look "protected" with one on, even though you aren't at all. A cycle helmet offers as much protection to a head as an egg box does to an egg.

Please educate yourself with the facts before justifying helmets!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_helmet#Less_bicycle_use

"When mandatory bicycle helmet laws were enacted in Australia, slightly more than one third of bare-headed cyclists ceased to ride their bicycles frequently.[56] In the UK between 1994 and 1996, in areas where cyclist counts dropped, wearing rates increased and where the number of cyclists increased, helmet wearing rates fell.[57]"

"A reduction in cycling may lead to an increased risk for the cyclists remaining on the road, due to a "safety in numbers" effect.[55] According to one source, the probability of an individual cyclist being struck by a motorist declines with the 0.6 power of the number of cyclists on the road.[37] This means that if the number of cyclists on the road doubles, then the average individual cyclist can ride for an additional 50% of the time without increasing the probability of being struck. It is thought that the increased frequency of motorist-cyclist interaction creates more aware motorists."

What if you are walking down to the shops and you trip and you hit your head on the curb? If helmets protect heads then then head injuries could be reduced if we make it compulsary wear them to whilst walking, climbing ladders going up and down stairs etc. The key issue should be whether cyclists are more prone to suffer from head injuries and I believe the evidence says that this is certainly not the case. I believe helmet mandation can be pushed through simply because cyclists represent a minority group and it is much easier to imposed measures on a minority than measures on a majority, even if the problem does not lie with the minority.

I think it is important and step back to look at the epidemiology. Helmet use has increased significantly among UK cyclists since the 60's going from zero to probably ~40%. Yet cycle injuries per km are higher now than back then - this to me clearly suggests that the real issue of cyclist safety is not tackled at all by cycle helmets.

However I believe helmet mandation could be pushed through simply because cyclists represent a minority group and it is much easier to imposed measures on a minority than measures on a majority, even if the problem does not lie with the minority.

While some people seem to be very sceptical about a helmet's actual protection, surely it would seem better to wear one than not any way? Does the fact that the pros have to wear one not tell you something? In my opinion, a helmet does give you protection no matter what speed you are doing. I've had some falls where I've been glad to be wearing a helmet. Surely it's much better for my helmet to be making contact with the concrete than my head?

And as for motorists treating cyclists differently if they have a helmet on or not....well when I'm driving, if I see a cyclist I don't take time to look and see whether or not he has a helmet on then decide how much space I'm going to leave him, I'm somewhat busy actually watching the road. If there are drivers out there that first analyse what a cyclist is wearing, then react, then no wonder they're causing crashes.

I don't want them to be compulsory:

But I always wear my helmet when cycling on the roads (but sometimes not in the park, like when I'm practicing up the hill).

Interesting analysis by gilesuk. But in places where cycling isn't very prevalent anyway - like most of West Yorkshire - it's arguable that the reduction in cycling would be pretty minimal - and therefore the increased risk.

And we could also argue that helmet use is only one of many factors that affect whether people cycle or not. High petrol prices, outrageous increases in the cost of car insurance and the threat of obesity being three others that will probably mitigate the reduction effect.

But I would prefer police to simply give us a warning rather than fine us for not wearing helmets.

@chriscdesign, there is no point arguing with someone who cannot come up with even just one sensible reason not to wear a helmet and is sure that a helmet saved his life, which is always just useless conjecture. Why respond if you do not seriously want to discuss an issue?

Personal choice.

Personally I would rather wear a helmet when I ride (seeing as I have one) than possibly drink through a straw for the rest of my life

I always use a lid mainly because I Mtb and have had multiple knocks and bumps over 25 years of riding, however I have only cracked one lid in all these years. All those accidents were due to my actions off road. I do commute a 10 mile route to work and the majority of my accidents have been caused by diesel on roundabouts and bad driving not by my riding skills, however I still wear a lid even though I have But this is a second line of defence to compensate for poor drivers and road conditions. I don't wear my lid if I pop to the shop and that should be my choice. I believe most people arguing for choice still wear helmets, they just want the option.

There is not a single person alive who's had an identical incident with and without a helmet, therefore nobody can say their helmet saved their life. Unless they subsequently repeated their accident identically in every way and are now dead.

I broke off a rear mech and took out some spokes when a branch got stuck in my back wheel near Blairgowrie. I wasn't wearing a plastic hat so I didn't land on my head.

I have worn a cycle helmet consistently for the past 15 years. I am still totally alive and everything. My helmet has absolutely prevented me from being killed to death at least fifteen times each week. It definitely has, yeh, because there's loads of, like, really bad accidents that could happen to me on my bike. But they haven't.

So its absolutely 100% undeniable fact that this is because of my helmet, innit.

Throughout my life... I've banged my head on low beams numerous times, I've banged my head getting in and out of the car on several occasions, I've been hit on the head by falling objects a few times, I have cycled regularly for over 25 years and never banged my head. On this basis I am going to campaign for compulsory helmetting, except for when on a bike.

And anyway, instead of wearing a helmet, I'm going to style my hair into a massive 1980's Kevin Keegan perm. This'll provide substantial cushioning in a head-ground interface event.

Anyway, check this out - there's no need for helmets!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lqo4hwnJt6Y

@Mr Oysterhead

Not even if it's one of those cool curly wurly straws?

@weardybeardy

"I believe most people arguing for choice still wear helmets, they just want the option"

You've got to love some peoples logic... "I want the choice whether or not to do something that I always do all of the time anyway"

Plonkers!

About 10 years ago, I was cycling along a road when a stick became jammed into the spokes of my front wheel. The wheel jammed, the bike stopped instantly and I was slam-dunked head first onto the road. My helmet split in half and I was left with a badly bruised neck.

I have absolutely no doubt that my helmet saved my life and think anyone who rides without one needs their head looking at. However, they should NOT be made compulsory. I do not need or want a nanny state telling me what's best for me.

Bus passengers being made to wear full-face crash helments would no doubt save lives - where do you stop?

@giles uk:

Quote "Saying "a helmet saved my life" is purely anecdotal and there's no evidence to say you wouldn't be here otherwise. It is a common mistake people make"

What utter patronising b*lls*it. So what you are saying is that any item of safety equipment is useless, as you cannot prove that it would save your life?? I take it you don't bother wearing a seatbelt then. Obviuosly there is no evidence to suggest it would save your life in the event of a crash!! The mistake is yours my friend, and yours only!!

It should be made law to wear a helmet while cycling, but ONLY on the public highways!! Off road riding, parks etc. it should be down to the individual to decide. When cycling on the roads you are not the only factor to consider. If you fall for any reason and a car hits you, a helmet MAY save your life. How would the driver feel if you died and you weren't wearing a helmet and it wasn't his fault? It was your choice to not wear a helmet and you died (your choice), BUT you just ruined the driver's life by your inconsiderate behaviour!! When on the road you have to consider ALL users and not just your own attitude to risk!

Off the road, it's your choice. You crash, you die; tough! You made the decision, but it does not affect anyone else!! THAT is the difference!!

Just wear a helmet, it's NOT uncool, it's NOT uncomfy and it COULD save your life!! There is no debate on that. Not wearing one is just plain stupidity. If you idiots want to kill yourself on your own, fine, but don't ruin someone elses life just because you didn't protect your only brain cell!!!

I feel that some people miss the point - its not about being told what to do or some nanny state noncence that people refer too - its about plain and simple common sense.

I feel it should be compulsory for all regardless of age or where you ride.....

For those that wear a helmet there is no doubt that possible damage to your head is reduced.....no one can argue this point.

the fact that there are so many people that say it looks uncool or whatever are the ones causing the problem - kids then think its un-cool cos Dad doesn't wear one....

If adults go on about how much better it is then kids feel less silly..... then all we need is an ultra cool helmet at a cheap price. I wear a Xen and it cost me £75 which is a lot but I feel comfortable wearing a Xen. they just need to have some government programme wear Xens are sold for £5.

Wearing a helmet should feel normal and that should be the aim.....

And planeetx - you cannot compare people wearing full face helmets on buses to cyclists wearing helmets.

the fact is cyclists are on the most vulnerable mode of transport and if you have kids surely you make them wear a helmet when they go out?

I was out on sunday and saw stacks of kids wobbling about on their bikes wearing sandals and no lid...... why would parents be so irresponsible?

i wear a cycle helmet all the time road/offroad but dont think enforcing the issue is a good idea. however i ski without a helmet and this is starting to be frowned against but until its enforced i will never wear a ski helmet.Schitzophrenic or what !!

this topic again? seriously lol.

@paddyg77

I can't quite tell from the subtle wording of your comment whether you agree with enforced helmet communism or not.

Either way, you sound incredibly paranoid.

Go and have a lie down.

And no, it's not "patronising b*llsh*t" saying "a helmet saved my life" is "purely anecdotal"... unless you have the identical accident again without a helmet the most you can say is "a helmet possibly saved my life"

It's a basic principle of a proper scientific test - use real evidence, otherwise it's just a theory...

@meanbean, its you thats missing the point. It IS about the right to do what you feel is right. Why doesnt the government stop alcohol, smoking etc yet the feel its right to make people wear a helmet?

Look at countries like the Netherlands and Belgium. Both cycling countries with a HUGE percentage of cyclist. I would say 95% of people I saw in North Holland and Belgium didnt have helmets. They were goign around their normal day to day duties, shops, work etc. They have a great health history, hardly any obese problems, shy why make out cycling is dangerous? Australian, Ireland and Spain have brougt this law in and the numbers cycling have dropped. Surly this is a bad thing? No? Poorer health, bad for cycle shops etc.

If I am out on the road or MTB I wear a helmet, thats my choice. If I am off to the shops two mins away by bike, I wont, but I am going a hell of a lot slower. Thats MY choice. if I fall I only have myself to blame.

"sandals and no lid...... why would parents be so irresponsible?"

Clearly not everybody has fully bought in to the Fear Culture prevalent in society.

Apparently, everything around us is definitely absolutely trying to kill us to death every 5 minutes... hence, all the so-called "H&S" advice... underneath, it's all just a subtle way of controlling the populations thoughts and movements, suppress us...

Now, where's my bubble-wrap suit...

I had a good friend last year come off their bike without a helmet, they were left in a coma for a fortnight with a fractured skull and it was touch and go for a while and they have been left with some neurological issues even 9 months on. The doctor said without being preachy that they would have walked away from the crash wearing a helmet. As they put it, to die over something so trivial as coming off your bike not wearing a helmet is stupid.

Every time I exchange pleasantries with a cyclist coming the other way without a helmet I can't help but feel how selfish they are - it doesn't remove the risk of injury but it certainly reduces it - how would you feel if you were left dependant on your family purely because you didn't wear a helmet?

As for legislation I always use to be a 'its personal choice' sort but as it is up to the NHS to pick up the pieces I see it isn't such a crazy idea. Who would drive a car without a seatbelt these days? who would freewheel down a hill at 20mph+ without a helmet?

As for where do you draw the line, should kids on push scooters be made to wear them? any mechanical device?

At least the establishment saw fit to remove VAT on helmets in 2000!

I can't see how they would enforce it if it became law. People on bikes break the law all the time so why would they care. Personally i always wear a helmet, but have friends who refuse to, that's there choice.

I would say yes for kids on road but too difficult to enforce.

2 wheel vehicles users have to wear them by law so why should we differ. If cyclists are the 'most vulnerable' on the roads then the more protection we get the better, although a full face on a road bike is a little extreme (I have seen this in london!!).

I think it's generally common sense. I feel safer with it on I know it may not save my life but I have a better chance with it on. A friend of mine died when younger from brain damage after he hit a lorry on his MTB so I have more personal reasons than others.

More dedicated carriageways for cyclists would be better. Less chance of collisions with drivers, etc. But Mr Cameron won't fund anything that radicle. The Cycle Super Highways are just an excuse to put some expensive paint on the road. They are larger ignored by every road user.

http://www.cyclecraft.co.uk/digest/helmet_research.html

@shm_uk

It is quite clear where i stand!! Law for on roads and not for anywhere else!! Nothing subtle about how that was worded??

And what exactly am i paranoid about? If you don't wear on a helmet on the road you are ignorant and selfish!!

You don't think helmet manufacturers have tested identical crashes with/without helmets, to see what effect they have on a human head. Get real!! By your reasoning unless you test safety equipment on real humans you cannot say whether it is effective or not?? Utter tosh!!!

@Martin GT

What if, on your slow trip to the shop, you lose control (for whatever reason) and a car hits you and kills you. It was your fault, but you have just ruined the drivers life, as he has just killed someone (through no fault of his own).

@paddyg77

Luckily I dont have to go on any roads to get to the shops. I have a small wooded track and then a cycle path.

Also, the driver, if were playing devils advocate was driving too close to me and therefore will have to live with that fact too.

The "My mate nearly died" etc is all a bit secptical. Too many difference etc.

The main thing we have in this (UK) country is the lack of cycle networks, the shocking attiude other road users have to each other (not just to cyclists) and the shocking attutde a lot of cyclists have on the roads.

lee,

you dont understand that over 90% of fatal cycling accidents happen at junctions. separate carriageways for cyclists still traverse junctions and in a place that INCREASES the danger to cyclists.

Anyway, mandating helmets puts the cart before the horse in my opinion. How about getting the majority of cyclists riding safely and assertively ( not hiding in other words), and lets see what that does to a+E admissions .

@Martin GT

If you don't go on the road then i have no problem with you choosing not to wear a helmet!!

Irrrespective of fault, if the cyslist wears a helmet on the road (where they are most vulnerable and not in control of all the factors themselves) it may prevent a death!! Surely you cannot disagree with that?

Helmets good, compulsion bad.