If you do not regularly wear a helmet when you ride, please consider the following data from a study printed in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Over a multi-year study period (1984-1988), bicycling accounted for 906,000 head injuries, resulting in 2,985 deaths. By comparing the injuries and deaths of cyclists with helmets, and those without, the authors concluded that the use of helmets could have prevented 2,500 of the deaths and 757,000 of the head injuries.
If you think we are doing a better job in the 1990's, think again.
According to the New Jersey State Department of Health, nearly 1,000 riders die from bicycle crashes each year. Yet only 18% of all cyclists regularly wear helmets. (Despite our lack of a metal exoskeleton, this represents a small fraction of the total death toll on our nations highways. Ed.)
A few years ago, Uncle Barn survived a serious cycling accident, thanks to his helmet. Based upon my experience, the scientific data, and the anecdotal stories that abound on this issue, PLEASE, if your don't own a helmet, buy one. If you don't regularly use your helmet, make it a habit – it could save your life.
Standard AdRiding is a wonderful activity, enhances our physical & mental health, is a great way to meet many wonderful folks, and is just a lot of FUN. Let's just keep ourselves safe as we glide along the roadways.