There is something like a debate about the overall usefulness or safety of helmets, but I wonder if people who argue against helmets have ever had their heads hit the pavement? I have twice. Once in New York when a pedestrian walked in front of me while I was crossing Park Avenue. She didn't look up at all and at last second I planted on brakes and went over my handlebars. It hurt, but I might have walked away fine without a helmet. The second time was riding away from Bill Evans Reservoir near Silver City, New Mexico. It was a beautiful morning, birds were singing and then the back wheel of our two-wheel Doggy Ride hit a valley in a cattle guard and without even knowing it I was on the floor. We were all OK, but that time I was really glad I had a helmet. It meant the difference between being a bit dazed and a concussion or worse without a doubt.
I don't mind if people wear helmets or not. One of the coolest bicyclists I have met rode around Richmond for twenty-five years with no car (and hopefully is still) with no helmet. I do hope that if they don't they ride safely enough that they don't need it. And I know that when my head hit the pavement I was glad that I had it on.
I'm glad you had your helmet on too, especially in NM. I can't imagine what I would have done if I had to manage you being unconscious or out of it and worrying about the dogs at the same time. Thank you for wearing a helmet.
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