Cycle Helmet Poll Stats Update

In January I posted a poll on whether or not people wear cycle helmets.  After months of hectic voting (!!!), the current count being a massive (!) 17 votes, the results are as above.  Only one of the voters has voted like me, stating that they don’t wear a helmet.

The poll is still running so if you haven’t yet taken part then there’s always time to do so.  Looks like most people cycle with skull-safety in mind and protect their head.

I’ve just read that the statistics show that severity of injury “increase with helmet use”:

Individual cyclists may have benefited from wearing a helmet … but the odds would seem to be against it.

When large population samples are examined, it is difficult to detect any noticeable improvement in cyclist casualty trends. Worryingly, what change is to be found would seem to suggest that injuries, and sometimes injury severity, increase with helmet use. [Cycle Craft]

More helmet statistics and information on the following sites:

• Lies, damn lies and helmet statistics

• Bicycle helmets: review of effectiveness (Department of Transport)

• CTC information on Helmets

Helmet or Not?

Sunday morning browsing led me to the Bike Commute Tips Blog and a post relating to whether or not to wear a cycle helmet.

I  don’t.

Growing up, I spent a lot of time out cycling alone and with friends.  On road and off road, cycling gave me a sense of freedom when I was not old enough to drive a car.  It was great to get out there and have some fun.

I had a few ‘falls’ during that time and luckily picked myself up and carried on.  But during all that time, I never wore a cycle helmet – they just didn’t exist.  Now I’m older and (hopefully*) wiser, I still do not wear a helmet.

I know that there are arguments for wearing one but I decide not to.

What about you?  Do you wear a cycle helmet?

[* some might say as I don’t wear a helmet then I’m obviously not any wiser!]