Re: Helmet efficacy test

On 4/2/2025 10:36 AM, Rolf Mantel wrote:

Am 02.04.2025 um 16:32 schrieb cyclintom:

On Thu Mar 27 19:28:12 2025 Frank Krygowski  wrote:

>
So explain. You now seem to say they would work for other causes
of TBI. And you say bicycling is not a very important or serious
risk of TBI. But you still tell people just riding on roads that
they should wear helmets. Apparently you don't do the same for
people walking near roads, despite evidence of greater risk. Nor
for people riding in cars, who dominate the TBI statistics for
transportation.

>
Frank, why are you so fixed in convincing people that they shouldn't
wear helmets? Exactly what business of yours what they do?

 Frank any myself mostly wish to ensure that people aren't pressurized to wear helmets.
 Making bicycling look like a dangerous activity is likely to reduce the attraction of cycling as a mode of transport.

Right, that's my main motivation, although there are other details. I've long been disturbed by the false propaganda portraying ordinary bicycling as some high risk activity. I'm also astonished that so very many avid cyclists are so committed to furthering that false propaganda. As I've said, I don't see that schizoid behavior from avid runners, drivers, swimmers, etc. It's just weird.
Some details: Even if cycling were more dangerous than, say, walking in a city, I don't think do-gooders should be nagging cyclists to attempt to protect themselves with foam hats. People would rightfully be offended if they got nagged every time they consumed a hot dog or something sweet and carbonated. We don't see government funds telling people not to try rock climbing, skateboard tricks, flying in light aircraft or even skydiving, all of which are probably far more risky than simply bicycling bareheaded.
So why do we accept government or Usenet posters telling us to never ride without a helmet, or never let our kids ride without helmets? People should have the personal freedom to choose their own risks, and to allow reasonable risks for their kids. (Safe Kids Inc. used to urge parents to forbid letting their kids climb trees!)
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- Frank Krygowski