Interesting observation about non-helmet wearers.

[HAVOK6R]

My favorite thing that I get a kick out of is the guy that carries the helmet on the side of his bike for his passenger but doesn't wear one himself. It's like the helmet is a big *** frame slider but only comes on one side.

[vn2kbob]

All you have to do do to convince yourself of the helmet issue is to be on an EMT squad or ambulance crew. I have seen things most humans never have to experience. Don't have to say a thing more.........decide for yourself.

[Nate]

The real problem is the tendency of nanny-staters to approach motorcycle safety in the same way as car safety--crash survival. I think it has been proven conclusively that crash avoidance training is much more effective for motorcyclists. Unfortunately, the training approach doesn't give nanny-staters any power to play with.

You will know them by their deeds.

[A2rider]

Originally Posted by Nate

The real problem is the tendency of nanny-staters to approach motorcycle safety in the same way as car safety--crash survival. I think it has been proven conclusively that crash avoidance training is much more effective for motorcyclists. Unfortunately, the training approach doesn't give nanny-staters any power to play with.

You will know them by their deeds.

So my money would be better spent taking a TRAINING course? I can save the $100 on a helmet, the $75 horn, and $500 on loud pipes, and actually learn how to RIDE the bike? Is that what it takes to survive?

Thanks, Nate, I think I'll find Freddie Spencer and give my money to him!

[sisooktom]

Originally Posted by Nate

The real problem is the tendency of nanny-staters to approach motorcycle safety in the same way as car safety--crash survival. I think it has been proven conclusively that crash avoidance training is much more effective for motorcyclists. Unfortunately, the training approach doesn't give nanny-staters any power to play with.

You will know them by their deeds.

So to be clear, your position is that having accident avoidance training negates the need for gear?

[TriXie]

Originally Posted by CTRider

There are a lot of things I do because I feel it's the right thing for me to do that don't have laws requiring it.

+1,000,000,000!!!!!!

[darkwalker]

What next: mandatory condoms?

I can put 2 and 2 together and protect myself without The State telling me what to do. I do wear a helmet, always. I do wear my seatbelt. It's my choice, and I respect those who think differently.

[TriXie]

Originally Posted by darkwalker

What next: mandatory condoms?

I know, or have seen, a few people for whom this should DEFINITELY apply!!!

[V2K_CCTX]

^^^ agreed, anybody who has every appeared on Jerry Springer qualifies

[A2rider]

^^^^^^^It took you people long enough!

[darkwalker]

"Sir, we're going to have to ask you to put your condom on."
"But we've been dating six months."
"Sir, step out of the car."

LOL

[V2K_CCTX]

bohica

[TriXie]

Originally Posted by darkwalker

"Sir, we're going to have to ask you to put your condom on."
"But we've been dating six months."
"Sir, step out of the car."

LOL

[Nate]

Originally Posted by sisooktom

So to be clear, your position is that having accident avoidance training negates the need for gear?

Not at all. My position is probably nearly the same as the Motorcycle Rider Foundation who also advocate that rider training is much more effective use of funds than helmet laws. The problem is that government types only want to focus on enacting more laws. Witness the request earlier this year by the DOT secretary for permission from congress to divert funds designated specifically for rider training to fund some sort of advertising campaign for helmet use which is currently prohibited use of those funds. That belies the true intentions of bureaucrats who find no power in actually educating riders.

[A2rider]

Originally Posted by Nate

. Witness the request earlier this year by the DOT secretary for permission from congress to divert funds designated specifically for rider training to fund some sort of advertising campaign for helmet use which is currently prohibited use of those funds. That belies the true intentions of bureaucrats who find no power in actually educating riders.

I just read that in the new AMA magazine. I am horrified.

[lh4x4]

Full face helmet yesterday, full face helmet today and full face helmet tomorow. Not to make a pun but I guess that about covers it.

[evmo]

Originally Posted by lh4x4

Full face helmet yesterday, full face helmet today and full face helmet tomorow. Not to make a pun but I guess that about covers it.

Maybe not intended but I laughed anyway!

[evmo]

Originally Posted by TriXie

I know, or have seen, a few people for whom this should DEFINITELY apply!!!

Big time. Required parenting license?

[topolover]

Originally Posted by A2rider

I'm always told what a moron I am for wearing one. Go figure.

I havn't been "always told" that I'm (a) an idiot, (b) a chicken, or (c) a moron because I wear a helmet. I have been, yes. In one case when I was much younger I even got into a fist fight over it. Kid had to show who the man was by trying to kick my butt because he thought it was stupid. I always preferred err'ing on the side of caution. Better safe than sorry. In the most racent encounters I just tell them it's my life, not theirs. They shrug it off and it's over quicker than it started.

I started wearing a helmet when I was 16. Did a few times before, but didn't really like it. Then one day on a ditch road I flipped my bike in the stupidest thing imaginable- a rock. A rock I saw, I could have avoided it, but didn't. Flipped the bike and my head came down on another rock. Thank God I had a helmet! I really do think it could have killed me had I not had a helmet.

I have served as a VFD, cross trained as EMT, and picked up the remains of a few bikers. Tough guys, thinking their bad enough that they don't need a helmet. The last I knew the last cycle wreck I responded to a few years back the rider is also, coincidentally, living in a wheelchair with a living assistant. Can't feed himself. Can't bathe himself. Wife couldn't stand it and divorced him. He can get around in a wheel chair, but he simply has no life anymore. When people debate the importance of helmets, I think of that. Maybe I look like a geek, but at least I'm still alive.

If someone doesn't want to wear a helmet, that's their call. I won't say otherwise. But I imagine WHEN they wreck and feel exactly how hard even the softest of dirt really is, they'll change their mind.

[Slpr_61]

I wear a helmet for 5 reasons.
My wife and my 4 kids.