probably been done before but....... helmets? yes or no?

[barry2017]

This thread has certainly made me think so I've done a quick internet trawl through research into the effectiveness of bicycle helmets. As would be expected, it shows some inconsistency, with most, but not all, articles showing that helmets do limit the damage caused by head injuries, but by varying amounts. I couldn't find any evidence of significant/any increase in severity of injury directly as the result of wearing a helmet.

Here you go:

http://www.cyclehelmets.org/1182.html

(not for the squeamish or anti-vivisectionists)

They also help to hide the bald patch!!

The truth is out.

 

[Kentphil]

Twice a helmet has saved me from a more serious head injury, so i'm all for them.

 

[Neil]

I was merely pointing out that a lot of pro-helmet arguments that you hear in places like this are a bit flawed. And that there are a lot of proper, scientific studies (where "I fell off, my helmet is broken, my head isn't, helmets are great" stories would not be of good enough quality) that suggest a helmet can make things worse in some situations.

Find out what you can, and make your own choice.

Agreed completely with this - and it's not me looking for evidence to support my own personal position - I have an open mind on them.

It's simply because, as you say, that there is evidence that wearing a helmet can introduce the risk of, or make some injuries worse (eg neck injuries). Also there is evidence of increased risk taking when people use more safety devices.

The situation is certainly not quite as clear-cut and straightforward as some seem to believe.

 

[highlandsflyer]

I got a shunt from the rear on my trailie a couple of years ago, from maybe 5mph I was slung down onto the tarmac and it was enough to knock me out. If I had not been wearing a helmet it would have been much more serious.

I cannot count the times that the first I have known that my head had been seriously involved was the mark on my helmet.