To be surprised at the number of cyclists in London without helmets on?

[LittleMisslikestobebythesea]

Just got back from London, and noticed that a lot of cyclists don't wear helmets.

It just surprised me, I know with Boris bikes it may be that you need to hire one and don't have a helmet, but otherwise why not?

This is not a bash at cyclists, I think they are very brave with all that traffic and the number of buses.

Just genuinely surprised and curious!

Having read a few threads about this on MN I think the reason is that cyclists believe that without a helmet drivers give them more respect on the road. Also the helmet will not stop them being killed.

Helmets aren't some magic shield against accidents. I'm always surprised how many motorists don't wear seat belts and spend time looking at mobile devices whilst driving or just holding a mobile device whilst steering

And they will compare cycle safety to motoring safety.

All places have their own sort of "culture" around this stuff (within the law!) and I think it's just one of those things.

In the City it's lovely with cabs buses vans bikes pedestrians and even people on scooters all over the place and everyone keeps their eyes peeled and mixes in well, there have been studies apparently that say that when it's not rigidly defined which goes where and when, everyone is more cautious and treats each other with more courtesy. It certainly seems to work there, everywhere else the "car is king" which is a shame IMO.

A helmet will do no more than save you from gravel rash.

I would quite like to be saved from gravel rash. It really hurts-I wear a helmet.

Because there was some stupid study that suggested wearing one doesn't help any.

It's just stupid.

I often see parents out with their children cycling and the kids have helmets on but the parents don't. I think if you want your kids to wear one then you should set an example and wear one yourself.

It's surprising how quickly it's become unusual to see a cyclist without a helmet. I was very self-conscious when I started wearing my helmet two years ago, I rarely see anyone without one now.

London is very different to anywhere else though, Sardines your post is spot on.

dexter: there's a law about kids wearing helmets.

Wearing a helmet makes cycling less fun for many people, and helmets are a pain to carry around if you are constantly jumping on and off your bike for short trips. People do lots of slightly risky things all of the time.

Have you been to Holland and seen all the people cycling without helmets?OMG

What law is that claraschu?

You can't really compare the UK to Holland in terms of cycling safety as they have many more dedicated cycle paths so it is much safer to cycle there.

Because there was some stupid study that suggested wearing one doesn't help any.

It's just stupid.

Do you have any reason to suggest that the study was flawed? Or evidence to disprove their findings?

It's just stupid

No, it's not. It's a personal choice. People have different risk profiles and personal cost benefit views.

It doesn't affect anyone else so I don't see what the problem is.

I generally wear a helmet but it is nicer to ride without. Sometimes I don't take my helmet of it will be inconvenient to carry around, or if I just don't want to.

It's just annacdotal, but I get given a lot more room when I bike in a summer dress with no helmet and flowing hair then when I'm dressed in Lycra and fluro and helmeted.

Contry to popar opinion, biking isn't actually some high risk death defying hobby and doesn't require loads of protective kit to bike on the streets.

I think cyclists are worried about having 'helmet hair'.

It could be regional. Every cyclist I see in the morning here is in maximum unforgiving figure hugging lycra in neon colours, sunglasses and a helmet. Sometimes helmet with a camera on the top. I think they are commuting to work, and not actually taking part in the Tour de France though.

I wouldn't ride without a helmet, If DSS has to wear one, then why shouldn't we?

My dh commutes to work by bike. He wears the lycra because it is the most comfortable and suitable thing to cycle long distances in. I don't really think he could cycle 30 miles in his suit and look respectable when he arrived at work!

YANBU OP, I'm surprised too.

I also see plenty of cyclists in the dark without reflective gear, without lights AND without helmets.

And I know quite a few people who will happily cycle home (in London) when they've had a drink or two.

Insane IMO.

I think a lot of people think it's the law to wear a bike helmet. It isn't, and it's a personal choice. It's daft that we recognise that roads are unsafe because of all the buses, cars and HGVs, and our response to that is 'wear a plastic hat!' and not 'separate bikes from buses, cars and taxis'.

Does he have a shower when he gets to work Dexter? I would imagine he would have to.

gravel rash!
I worked in a brain injury unit for many years and the only reason that some of the cyclists survived was due to wearing cycle helmets. I really hope you were being sarcastic as that comment makes as much sense as saying wearing seat belts in cars doesn't save lives.

Yes they have showers at work otherwise he would pong the office out!

it is a choice for adults. Helmets can save lives - but they can also reduce hearing and visibility, and I know of cases where the helmet strap has caused damage.

kids are not able to make this choice and should wear cycle helmets.

all those who laugh at the lycra (which is the functional clothing for a long cycle ride) are probably the same airheads that wear jeans for long walks and stupid 'showerproof' coats, and then wonder why they are wet and cold.

That's good then. I wonder how many cycle to work and there's no showers.