The great debate of helmets goes on and on.  Just as ABATE rules the debate over motorcyclists being required by law to wear a helmet (but not in this state) - cyclists have some rule bodies that require cyclists to wear helmets during certain activities (namely races).  I can see both sides of the situation.  in town, commuting, I usually don't wear a helmet.  On training rides, road - or the fun mountain bike rides, I always wear a helmet. 

I know some locals who would rather put a dirty plunger on their head than wear a helmet on any ride, and other cyclists who never leave the house without one.  I liken it to the law about wearing seat belts in a car.  I do wear it, but not necessarily because of the law - more so, because I can not stand the dinging noise my Jeep makes when I don't click the belt.  If bike manufacturers put an audible device on bikes, that would annoy the hell out of the rider until they donned said brain bucket - I think more people would wear them (kudos car manufacturers).

let's take it one step further.  There is some amazing protection apparel on the cycling market right now.  They protect about every inch of a body.  Should those items also be required on "Helmet Mandated Rides"?  They are very protective, stylish, and technologically advanced.  There is one brand in particular that has this goo that the padding is made out of - I saw it at Interbike (I MEAN SCOOP SAW IT AT INTERBIKE) - where it sits there as a bowl of snot.  You can stick your finger in it, and it sticks to you.  Snot I tell 'ya.  Then, next to the bowl, there sits a hammer.  You are instructed to pick up the hammer, and hit the snot in the bowl.  The snot instantly hardens up, and you are unable to penetrate the snot.  AMAZING.  Flexible and strong.  Go buy some!

Back to my point - There are all forms of protective items a cyclist could wear - and when requiring cyclists to wear certain items, shouldn't we require more of them.  I mean, why stop at the head.  let's go all the way - or maybe become a little more lax on the issue - and leave it up to the individual.

I am not advocating that we all turn into helmet-burning-draft dodging-march-on-the-capital-Kent-State-rubber-bullet-targets… I just wanted to point out a little moment of tranquil questioning.  I like moments of tranquil questioning - makes me feel very intelligent and worldly.

It seems that all my cycling heros almost never wear a helmet, unless actually in the race - and that rule only came about recently.  Hmmmm.  

One of these two cyclists is dead.  The bald one should have invested in a helmet for his nose.

Helmets have gotten crazy expensive.  A new Giro helmet retails at $200.  The thing weighs 200 grams.  A buck a gram?  You can go to a ski hill, buy a Giro snowboard helmet with a winter liner to keep your pantani's (ears) warm - and that thing only costs around $60.  Another bee stinging the honey stealing bear, that is the helmet debate.

The choice it up to you - as it should be.  If you choose to not wear a protective device created to save your life, it is your own fault when something happens.  Just like it is your own fault if you hurt your knee on a mountain bike crash, and you were not wearing your SixSixOne knee guard.  Wear one if you want, but if someone else in the group chooses not to - leave 'em alone.  It's their choice.

As ammo for both sides of this never ending argument, check out this video from MASHSF.  A group of amazing fixie riders.  Please pay attention to a certain someone blowing a stop light, in traffic, and getting honked at.  Check out what is on his head, and what the others are/are not wearing.  (btw - ever wonder why so many fixie riders use HED 3's on their bike?  'Cause their frickin' indestructible).

Let the debate continue.  Talk amongst yourselves.