Why wear a bicycle helmet?

Dear editor,

Do you automatically put your seat belt on in a motorized vehicle?

Do you brush your teeth before going to bed? How about clean underwear?

These are all easy-to-master safety, health and hygiene habits.  So, what about the bicycle helmet?

Firstly it is mandatory (BC Motor Vehicle Act, Section 184).

What about significantly reducing the risk of head and severe brain injury, or even a mild concussion? Numerous conclusive studies exist.

So, this letter is to all you people I saw last week: groups of parents who put helmets on your kids but not yourself while on a family bike ride; the couple of adults with a dog in the basket on Howard Road; a tennis player; etc. So, please ask yourself, why wear a helmet? Answers may include: being law abiding, setting a good example for others, being safe, and acquiring an easy-to-master habit.

Georgina Price

Black Creek

 

Comox Valley Record