I'm attempting to write my communications paper right now, which is going decently, but I got sidetracked by this story, which I think about time to time, but can never remember where I read it. It's a pretty humorous (in subject and style), but serious (in consequences).
I wore a helmet for a solid week a couple weeks ago and I cannot honestly say I noticed a huge difference, but I wasn't really thinking about this study when I was riding (I was thinking along mch different lines at that time), but I wouldn't doubt if it was true here in the States. I must admit that Flagstaff drivers are decently respectful to cyclists, although I'm not a very good judge, considering how I ride most of the time.
I cannot remember who I was talking to about this, but it always makes me feel bad when it comes up. It always starts with "...so you're one of those riders," and then some kind of mild, but effective admonishment. This is why:
-I pass cars on the left, right, and sometimes going the opposite direction
-I haven't stopped at a stop sign for at least three months
-to me, a red light is always a yellow light
-paint jobs weren't made to be perfect...
-hand signals are always optional
-skitching
-track stands are not optional
So I may not be the model cyclist, but my reasoning is that the world needs a few bad cyclists. Lets face it, cyclists have gotten the raw deal when it comes to roads. We get delegated to the shoulders, the gravel-covered bike lanes, and someone's idiotic idea of sideWALKS. It's got the word WALK right in the name, it's not a sideCYCLE, it's a sideWALK. Back to the point...
If every cyclist gave into all these ridiculous notions of a "second class" mode of transportation on PUBLIC roads, we would get nowhere. The world needs radical cyclists to take back the streets that we rightfully have an equal share in. I pay my taxes not to get buzzed constantly on a shoddy shoulder, but to enjoy a nice, paved road for my wheels to spin freely on. When I bend and often break the rules I not only give cyclists a bad name, I also am fighting for our existence on the same plane as the gas-guzzlers.
The other side of the argument is quite simple. I am a hazard for motorists, the cycling community, and to my own health.
Why should I wear a helmet?
2 comments:
I am all for helmets. The only thing preventing me from wearing one, is how they look. I know it's shallow. I just am not a fan of helmet hair.
if it wasnt for a helmet y 8 foot drop onto my head back in 7th grade could have turned out much much worse. also it helped that one time i was on my bike and i clipped a truck side view mirror. lol But w.e. be careful
Post a Comment