The curious case of bicycle helmets
Yes it is a cheesy title, but live with it.
Vs. 
As is the case with most things in the developed world, choices do not satisfy people but initiate debates on which is better. In case of cycling, Helmet debates are probably the fiercest of all. Recently, I nearly got into a serious name calling when I made my opinion known.
There are various schools of thought some backed by experience and others simply a case of paranoia or carelessness. Everyone seems to have an opinion on helmets and tend to think their point of view is right. The problem is that people do not realize that the idea is to be out riding and not to debate how you are riding. There are some issues that will never see the end and this is on of them.
Coming to my point of this post, my opinion is that the need of helmets is firmly subjective. it is impossible to say that certain situations demand one and others don’t. It is also a function of anyone’s risk appetite, paranoia willingness to wear, fashion sense, biking conditions etc…
Living in the tropics, and after visiting places where bicycles are used for transportation and everyday commute by a large section of the population, it is easy to see that helmets as a product are not essential. They have their niche uses in extreme sports, mountain biking etc… but for getting from your home to the grocer, heading to the cinema, getting to work, going multi modal to commute, helmets offer very little.
Reality is I used to regularly wear a helmet but now, my helmet use is relegated to long distance biking only. That too as a backup to protect the head from the sun. What I wear now is either a bandanna or the Buff. They are extremely convenient, occupy no space, good to wash the face with, easy to maintain and extremely cheap. Helmets were useful when I started off biking on Singapore roads, when I was under the impression that the roads were unsafe. I realized that people respect others on the road, regardless of ho0w big your vehicle is. There are careless drivers and there are downright morons, but they are a distinct minority and even then they are not out to kill. Accidents happen regardless of whether you wear a helmet or not and the best form of protection is prevention (by being predictable and careful on the road and by ensuring you are visible).
But if the lack of helmet is preventing you from riding, ignore my point of view and go ahead id with a helmet on. Because I think it is important to get more cyclists going about their work than to worry about whether one is wearing a funny hat or not. Note the case I try to make is not whether helmets are effective or not but whether there is a need to wear one or not.
Anyhow, regarding wearing funny hats on the other head, well that is a whole different question and not for discussion here 
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April 3rd, 2009 23:28
From a non-cyclist’s perspective, I feel the helmet has little influencing power on one’s riding. What would convert people to cyclists? Ultimately, the perception that riding on the road is safe in Singapore remains to be of utmost importance. So bring on the funky head wear be it helmets or buff:)
April 4th, 2009 23:18
I understand where you are coming from Nat and many European & Asian commuter cyclists simply do not wear helmets. The wind in your head, the convenience, comfort etc etc. Its just not part of their culture and they just dont buy the safety issue. Well, at least not too many cyclists are walking around with head injuries to warrant govt legislation I suppose.
But I had a crash last year, and my helmet did its job protecting my head. I’m not going to be preachy about this but for me, the benefits of a helmet do outweigh the cost in my books. And its ok if you dont agree with me
http://lovethefold.blogspot.com/2008/07/i-cant-believe-i-crashed.html
April 5th, 2009 11:27
I remember your story and was glad you survived with scratches. East coast route to Changi Airport can be vicious. Even worse when you have pedestrians walking in and out on your path.
I am perfectly comfortable with the idea of helmet. As a matter of fact, they are not expensive unless you want it to be. Helmets are like insurance, one will not need it until you get into trouble. But like insurance policies, helmets are sold by selling fear. That is something I am not fond of. I used to ride with helmets (and still own a couple) until I figured I might use them when riding long distances.
Helmets or not, I suppose paying attention to the road can save our lives and limbs and that’s what advocates and governments should be encouraging
April 5th, 2009 13:47
Yups, agree abt being vigilant while riding as first course of defence. I do ride without helmet at times too esp while climbing long hills at 8kmh in Laos… of course flying downhills at 50kmh, we put the fibreglass on.
April 5th, 2009 20:47
yep very good point, I like your objective views on the subject