Proof helmets are a worthwhile investment...

[jimmy]

Hi

I took part in a bicycle race on the weekend. It was only 70kms, and I pulled out after only 40km. Why, a pretty nasty accident.

I had a clash of handle bars with another ride as the result of a crosswind gust. I went down and another rider came down as well. I lost a fair amount of skin on my right knee, right hip and right shoulder.

The big thing though was I am thankful that I was wearing a helmet. I live in Australia where we have had composulary helmet laws for about 20 years off the top of my head.

Have a look at how the helmet faired (http://www.jamescheetham.net/helmet).

This crash was only at about 35-40km/hr, but I had no way of controlling how I really landed.

I must admit though, I have even more respect for the pro cyclists now, they seem to hit the tarmac, and then get back up and keep going. I had no thought of rejoining the race after I crashed out.

So if you don't cycle with a helmet, please get one, you have no idea when it may save your life.

James

[THE dave]

DANG that helmet is done... definatly a good thing you were wearing it and im glad that you are okay!

[JJtheunicycle]

looks like there is melted chocolate on it

[tomtrevor]

it seems everytime i decide to ride without a helmet (for whatever reason) i seemed to get pulled over by the cops. i got pulled over for the 4th time on friday. also my helmet has helped me a lot. once on a motorbike i crashed and i probably wouldn't be here right now if i didn't have a helmet on and ive cracked like 3 helmets crashing my mtb and once stacking on my uni. so i truely agree that a helmet is a good idea.

[iridemymuni]

you've got a nasty habbit of landing on your head tom

[tomtrevor]

well considering its been over the last 6 years or so, not really

and the one where i actually jumped onto the helmet i didn't count

[applytheapplecrisp]

Are helmets required on unicycles by law?

[zippy]

in the UK no :)

[iridemymuni]

in australia, yes :(

[tomtrevor]

yea in australia i was riding along side the road on my uni without a helmet and i got pulled over by the cops. but i dunno if its just me or cops in general because i have had 4 warnings given to me by cops now for not wearing a helmet.

[applytheapplecrisp]

It doesn't seem like helmets should be required for unicycles... When ever you fall you almost always land on your feet because your not going that fast and your already in a good position to stand up.

[johnfoss]

i dunno if its just me or cops in general because i have had 4 warnings given to me by cops now for not wearing a helmet.
Maybe they're trying to tell you something?

To me, a helmet is a bit overkill if you're just riding along on flat pavement. Except if it's on the side of the road with cars involved, or if it's at or above running speed.

Also, it's "underkill" to *not* wear a helmet when doing trials with large obstacles, or riding on rocks, roots, or other things where you may take a bad fall without chance to catch yourself. The helmet's not for the good, or typical falls.

[john_childs]

I never tried racing back when I was riding my road bike. The risk of a crash during a race was too great for me. I'm a wimp when it comes to subjecting myself to potential road rash. When racing, especially at the lower levels, it is not if but when you're going to hit the pavement during a race.

I also didn't get interested in racing because I'm not that fast of a rider and I don't have good endurance for maximum exertion over a long period.

But mostly my aversion to bicycle racing was because I'm a wimp.

Was it a crash due to something happening in the peloton or was it due to you just loosing it?