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Wear A Helmet

Ten reasons to wear a helmet

TEN REASONS TO WEAR A BIKE HELMET

Charlie Speaks ! ... Helmets
It's amazing how many times each year I hear someone say "I should have been wearing one," or, "It saved my life." Now, much to my surprise it was Hal's turn to say, "I should have been wearing one." Hal is a cool dude, ace mechanic and nice guy who has biked cross country numerous times and has raised bike commuting to a fine art. He is also an accident victim.

I received a phone call from Hal's sister early one morning telling me Hal was in intensive care and would not be coming to work that day. As it turns out Hal was riding home the night before and woke up in the ambulance en route to the hospital. He had a broken nose (unbelievably it is now straight; only Hal...), fractured orbital bone, and a concussion. Unfortunately, most of this could have been avoided if only....

Unbelievably, Hal's mother said, "You should have been wearing a helmet," but even more unbelievably his parents found his bike by the side of the road four hours later. Hal has hypothesized that he hit an oil slick and went down, then stopped his slide with his face and head (ouch). After he told his story, several of those listening told their tales of crashes and broken helmets. This made me realize that accidents of some sort happen to all of us. A little research revealed that experienced bicycle riders will have an accident every 4,500 miles, according to the Washington Area Bicycle Association. As we talked in the shop it seemed to be closer to every 9,000 miles, but that is irrelevant. What is important is that you will eventually have an accident. What is also important is that wearing a helmet can save your life.

So the moral of the story is if you don't have a helmet get one, if you do have one wear it. Make sure your helmet fits and if it is over 5 years old (the life span of a helmet) get a new one and make sure it is fitted correctly.

As an added incentive for a limited time Bicycle Habitat will give you a $10.00 credit toward the purchase of a new helmet when trading in an old one.

TOP Ten Reasons to Wear a Bicycle Helmet
   

  • 900 People die each year in bicycle accidents, 75% of them from head injuries.
       
  • 88% of all cyclist brain injuries could be avoided.
       
  • It can help make you more visible.
       
  • Some people look really cool in a helmet.
       
  • You must wear a helmet on a Bicycle Habitat ride.
       
  • If you are under 14 years old the law requires it.
       
  • You won't have to listen to your mother say: "You should have been wearing a helmet," when you wake up in the hospital.
       
  • A head injury can ruin your whole day.
       
  • Helmets are less likely to damage the asphalt.
       
  • Huh?