Want to be hit by a car while riding a bicycle? Wear a helmet!

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On average, a passing vehicle came about 8.5 cm (over three inches) closer to the researcher when he had a helmet on. Although it's easy to attribute this to an unconscious risk analysis?drivers view helmeted cyclists as less likely to suffer permanent damage if something goes wrong?other data suggested that it might have more to do with a driver's general sense of confidence. Professional drivers in delivery trucks and transit busses passed 19 cm and 23 cm closer to the cyclist, respectively. Our intrepid cycling researcher suggests that the presence of a helmet may contribute to the driver's confidence by signaling that it's being worn by a serious cyclist, one less likely to move erratically. An element of sexism may come into play as well, as wearing a wig designed to make him appear female was enough to gain an added 14 cm of space. If the other interpretations are right, it suggests that some drivers expect females to cycle a bit more erratically.

Regardless of the reason, Dr. Walker notes that the added risk to the cyclist may actually outweigh the benefits of the helmet: "By leaving the cyclist less room, drivers reduce the safety margin that cyclists need to deal with obstacles in the road, such as drain covers and potholes, as well as the margin for error in their own judgements." A helmet may help with falls, but it's unlikely to do much good if the margin of error is eliminated by an overconfident bus driver. Oh, and those two collisions? He was wearing a helmet for both.

http://arstechnica.com/journals/science.ars/2006/9/11/5248

 

[quakefiend420]

so wear a wig and don't wear a helmet and i'll be safer....got it

 

[dguy6789]

Originally posted by: quakefiend420
so wear a wig and don't wear a helmet and i'll be safer....got it

 

[JulesMaximus]

It will be a cold day in hell before I give up my helmet while riding my bike.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

I LOVE my helmet. Don't know why you wouldn't wear one, except probably because the good ones that look cool are at least $40, and the cheaper ones look really geeky.

 

[johnjbruin]

An element of sexism may come into play as well, as wearing a wig designed to make him appear female was enough to gain an added 14 cm of space. If the other interpretations are right, it suggests that some drivers expect females to cycle a bit more erratically.

Wow - I laughed when I read this because now that I think about it I personally do it too.

 

[Amused]

An idea:

Why not wear a helmet camouflaged with a wig?

BRILLIANT!

 

[homercles337]

Never wore one and never will. When i ride i ride at the same speed as traffic (sometimes faster), so no auto is going to pass me. Biking in traffic is just as much perceptual as physical. If youre lolly-gagging and not paying attention while on a bike then you probably need a helmet--even when not riding. I am more concerned about people flinging open car doors with out looking than some bafoon giving me 3 less inches--just stay your line. I preferred to go sans helmet when i had a motorcycle too.

 

[mercanucaribe]

Originally posted by: homercles337
Never wore one and never will. When i ride i ride at the same speed as traffic (sometimes faster), so no auto is going to pass me. Biking in traffic is just as much perceptual as physical. If youre lolly-gagging and not paying attention while on a bike then you probably need a helmet--even when not riding. I am more concerned about people flinging open car doors with out looking than some bafoon giving me 3 less inches--just stay your line. I preferred to go sans helmet when i had a motorcycle too.

Everyone crashes at some time, and when you do you'll wish you had a helmet!

I never wore my bike helmet for riding to class, but if I was riding on main roads or downtown, it would go on. I can't even imagine riding a motorcycle 75mph on the highway without a helmet.

 

[frankgomez75]

Originally posted by: mercanucaribe

Originally posted by: homercles337
Never wore one and never will. When i ride i ride at the same speed as traffic (sometimes faster), so no auto is going to pass me. Biking in traffic is just as much perceptual as physical. If youre lolly-gagging and not paying attention while on a bike then you probably need a helmet--even when not riding. I am more concerned about people flinging open car doors with out looking than some bafoon giving me 3 less inches--just stay your line. I preferred to go sans helmet when i had a motorcycle too.

Everyone crashes at some time, and when you do you'll wish you had a helmet!

I never wore my bike helmet for riding to class, but if I was riding on main roads or downtown, it would go on. I can't even imagine riding a motorcycle 75mph on the highway without a helmet.

Yep... I've had my share of bicycle falls and seen plenty others too. Of course I mountain bike ride a lot, but on the street helmets are a must unless you want your noodles spread out all over the highway, I would definetly wear one while on a motorcycle.