Popular Posts

Category: Helmets

  • The fallacy of the cracked helmet

    Abstract Intriguingly, a cracked bicycle helmet is often perceived as unequivocal proof of saving lives, but this is far from the truth. It is a sign of the helmet’s failure when the underlying styrofoam fails to compress.  It’s a natural inclination to credit a helmet with saving us, but that doesn’t necessarily make it true.…

  • 5 ways wearing a bicycle helmet can result in injuries

    We tend to be less cautious Wearing a safety device creates a feeling of safety. This makes us less cautious. This well documented behavior is called risk compensation. We tend to take more risks when wearing safety equipment. Risk compensation is the tendency to take more risks when wearing safety equipment. The New York Times reported…

  • The myth that bicycle helmets protect against brain injury

    Abstract Brain injury is caused by rotational acceleration. Bicycle helmets are not designed to protect against it. In some circumstances they can increase it, aggravating brain injury. Wearing a helmet can make us feel safer. However feeling safe is different than being safe blank What surgeons say This article reports from a surgeon who operates on cyclists: ” “The…

  • The paradox of bicycle helmets

    Abstract In a scenario where the very act of wearing “protection” ironically leads to a surge in injuries, it becomes imperative to dig deeper and unravel the underlying issues. Adorning a bicycle helmet certainly instills a sense of safety and protection. However, it’s essential to recognize that this perception of invincibility can inadvertently lead us…

  • Are bicycle helmets dangerous?

    Abstract  blank   Helmets protect against minor skull injuries like bruises and lacerations. Helmets: increase the risk of accidents increase the risk of neck injury increase the risk of brain injury Wearing a helmet can make us feel safer. However feeling safe is not the same as being safe   Some politicians claim “Helmets save lives“. Is…

  • Confusing helmets with polystyrene hats

    Why are these two devices given the same name? This device protects in a serious accident This device crumbles in a serious accident Imagine a drug manufacturer introduces a new medicine it calls new aspirin. Yet the new aspirin is only 1% as effective as current aspirin. There would be an outcry. It is misleading to give the same name…

  • Can helmets cause permanent disability?

    In 1993, a team of researchers conducted lab experiments on bicycle helmets. The purpose was to measure the chin strap forces in accidents. The researchers were shocked by what they found. They found that helmets can seriously damage cyclists neck: “The non-shell helmet did in all trials grab the asphalt surface, which rotated the head together with the helmet. The…

  • US government drops claim that helmets reduce 85% of head injuries

    The US government has dropped its claim that bicycle helmets reduce 85% of head injuries. The claim came from “research” conducted by helmet advocates in 1989. Many researchers have tried to replicate its results, but have been unable to do so. Amid severe criticism, the authors had to re-work their data, and arrived at a lower effectiveness rate. This…

  • Helmet manufacturer ordered to pay $3 millions as compensation for brain injury

    US helmet manufacturer Riddell had to pay US$3 millions in compensation to an injured football player. Rhett Ridolfi suffered severe brain damage, as well as paralysis, despite wearing a helmet. A Colorado jury found Riddell negligent in failing to warn players about concussion. This is one of many lawsuits about brain injury while wearing a…

  • Barefoot running and cycling

    An interesting analogy between barefoot running and cycling: For years it has been ingrained in to folk that go hill-walking that it is *essential* to wear “stout footwear with proper ankle support”, with the latter taken to mean a high lacing cuff and the phrase really meaning big, stiff hiking boots. In more recent times…