greg.g

Mikael-Colville Andersen: Why we shouldn’t wear bike helmets

Much to the chagrin of my friends and family I rarely wear a helmet when I cycle. I’ve been in a couple of bike accidents in my life, but still do not believe helmets to be as necessary as some people insist.

One time when I was 18 I flipped over the handlebars of my (admittedly shitty) BMX and did a face plant in to the gravel road. I lost two teeth, bit a hole in my tongue, and severely cut my face. The doctor who stitched up my face insisted I should have been wearing a helmet, although admitted that it wouldn’t have protected from the injuries I sustained.

If anything knee, elbow and wrist guards would be more effective safety equipment for cycling, although they’d be a tough sell. I’m not going to go as far as saying that you shouldn’t wear a helmet, but I certainly won’t chastise you for not wearing one.