Please, don't forget to wear your helmet

The nice weather and rising gas prices have resulted in an unprecedented number of people riding their bicycles around Sandpoint. This is wonderful - fewer cars on the streets, and good exercise for the cyclists. However, the number of riders in Sandpoint without helmets is shocking.

There's seems to be a widely held myth that if you are a “casual” bicyclist or “just riding a short distance” a helmet is unnecessary. Nothing could be further from the truth. A simple fall at as little as 3-5 mph can result in significant head injury. And in any bicycle vs. motor vehicle encounter, without a helmet a head injury is almost assured. National studies have conclusively shown that “use of a helmet is the single most effective measure of reducing head injuries - 85 percent.” Put another way, “without a helmet you are two to three times more likely to suffer a head injury in a bicycle crash.” Head injuries account for more than 60 percent of bicycle-related fatalities. And those who survive a head injury are frequently left with lifelong serious disability.

The irony of the situation is that there is no down side to wearing a helmet. Modern helmets are light weight and well ventilated, so you still get that “wind blowing through your hair” sensation. Very good helmets are available at all our local bicycle shops for as little as $35. And if you can not afford that, there are helmets for only $5 through the Bonner General Hospital Emergency Department!

Do you feel it's “inconvenient” to carry a helmet off the bike? Here's a simple tip: leave the helmet hanging on the bike handlebar! In 38 years of year round bicycle commuting all over the United States I have never had a single helmet stolen.

Please, everyone. Always wear a helmet when you bicycle!

PHIL ROLE

Sandpoint