A Touchy Topic : Bicycle Helmets

Where to begin on the discussion of bicycle helmets...  This is one of those topics in which all parties, regardless of their viewpoint, are fervent in their respective opinions.  I think the best way to start off is with my own view on bicycle helmets.

I'm not particularly fond of them.  This doesn't mean that I have an aversion to helmets, to the contrary, I'm all for them; where their use is appropriate.   I relied heavily upon my kevlar Bell M2 helmet when I raced in Motorsports in both Hillclimb and Pro Rally classes in the SCCA from 1993-1998, taking the 1996 Northeastern United States Hillclimb Championship for Rally class.  

I wholeheartedly agree that Motorcyclists riding at 100 km/h and above should be wearing helmets (as well as full body leather motorcycling safety suits).  I agree that bicyclists racing whether in a velodrome, mountain side, or street course should be wearing their protective headgear.  Lastly, I agree that all new riders (whether children or otherwise) wear protective gear consisting of at minimal, a helmet for a period of time at minimal equal to 50 hours of seat time whether this translates to a few months or several years.  

However, I do not believe that helmets are a necessity in any other situation.  I live in Central Bucks County, Pennsylvania in the USA.  We have twisty back roads with blind crests and sweeping turns through narrow roadways sans bike lanes and in many cases they lack road shoulders as well.  We also have many major routes which I also ride on a regular basis when travelling to see family, to go shopping and for sheer pleasure.  

A few of my reasons for my views are as such;  There are no conclusive studies showing the effectiveness of bicycle helmets in a crash against a motorised vehicle which have actually been conducted with non-biased slants in a proper double blind fashion entirely steeped in the scientific method.  Data which exists at the moment is skewed horribly and has been repeated continually by helmet supporters with an almost blind religiousity.  

The statistics which do exist from around the world seem to contradict much of the fears of the pro-helmet's-in-any-case crowd.  Furthermore, one of the most stunning bits of research which we do have available to us clearly shows that motorised vehicle drivers drive approximately half a metre closer to helmeted bicyclists than those without helmets.  I have also (in a non-scientify observation) witnessed much of the same, however being that it was indeed done in a non-controlled manner, should be taken with a grain of salt.  Use your own eyes and observe what you will.  

All of this being stated clearly above, I will make this suggestion.  If an experienced bicyclist wishes to ride sans helmet, so be it, it is their choice.  If you vary with that particular view and want to wear a helmet, feel free to do so as well.  If you are with the latter group, I do have some suggestions.  

Get fitted for a ASTM 1492 certified skateboarding helmet.  Unlike bicycle helmets which are good for a single impact, shaped for a lower coefficient of drag and as well as stylish reasons, the semi-spherical skateboard helmets which meet the ASTM 1492 standard are designed with safety functionality over form first, as well as providing the ability to handle multiple impacts.  Some forward thinking bicycling organisations and companies have seen through the facade that is the more stylish helmets and are making a real commitment to rider safety.

Whatever opinion you hold on this topic, just remember that everyone is entitled to their own view on this highly debated, fairly heated topic.  Show some respect by not trying to shove your opinion down others' throats as they only cause to enrage other cyclists when in reality we have bigger battles to fight such as equality on the roads and in the minds of the non-cycling public.