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I was doing my usual circuits round Benters and the surrounding villages,I mostly keep to the same route in the winter months due to bad road conditions and pot holes etc.
I was slowing down to turn left as I turned into the lane some kind of fluid probably Diesel from a lorry or farm machine had been spilled on the road,my front wheel went from under me and crash bang whallop over I went.
Thankfully nothing is broken,just skinned my arm and leg also banged my head, that scared me as when I’ve fallen off before I’ve never hit my head.
Still as Mark Cavendish would have done,I jumped up straightened my brake lever and carried on for a further 15 miles.
I just wanted to say to people if you think you don’t need to wear a cycling helmet when you are cycling,my advise is you do.
So I had a crash on my bike Tuesday Morning. on 10:47 - Nov 8 by artsbossbeard
If Contrary Colin doesn't want to wear a helmet, it's his call.
For the sake of putting a £20 piece of kit on your head, clicking 2 straps together and then moving off, I'll always go with this option.
I'm not being Contrary Colin, I'm citing evidential studies.
The cost and ease are nothing to do with it.
But yes, it's everyone's call what they want to go with. I'm just providing balance, with evidence, that shows you're more likely to be in an accident if you're wearing a helmet. If you'd rather take that risk, because at least your head's protected if it happens, then go for it. I just want to show it's not as simple as "wear a helmet, they save lives" as many believe and have been saying in this thread.
Trust the process. Trust Phil.
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So I had a crash on my bike Tuesday Morning. on 11:18 - Nov 8 with 1251 views
So I had a crash on my bike Tuesday Morning. on 11:16 - Nov 8 by Help
I will work on common sense and my own personal beliefs than reports thank you.
So if I had not worn the helmet would I be here now writing this, according to the hospital probably not. Nit that I would have been dead, but that my life would have been somewhat different.
On the road I was hit would the driver have given more room if I was not wearing a helmet. Ask him but from the CCTV footage of the incident I doubt it.
Each to there own, but from my experiences I will keep the helmet on. And the high Viz coat and lights that were all in place at the time if the incident and always are.
Fine, on your head be it
Trust the process. Trust Phil.
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So I had a crash on my bike Tuesday Morning. on 12:17 - Nov 8 with 1178 views
So I had a crash on my bike Tuesday Morning. on 07:41 - Nov 8 by NthQldITFC
Glad you're OK and second the helmet thing as a fairly recent convert.
Watch out for drifts of sand on the back lanes too after heavy rain when the road seems dry and clear for fast riding. I hit a patch of sand in a dip a cuppla months back and was fishtailing all over the road with a bit of front wheel slide too. Absolutely no idea how I stayed on but at least there was no traffic around.
I only started wearing one last year,after a long time cycling glad I did though.
So I had a crash on my bike Tuesday Morning. on 07:56 - Nov 8 by BlueBoots
Bad luck to Benters (hard enough coping with what's moving around on the roads, without having to encounter something on it that shouldn't be there) Up arrows all around for advice around wearing a helmet; I've had a few crashes over the years, but thankfully only 2 bad ones where I've gone over the handlebars and hit my head on the ground (with the bike landing on top of me for good measure too) Without question wearing a bike helmet saved me from serious injury (or worse)
Where I will take issue with the OP, is if you do have a crash, particularly where you bang your head, don't just get back on the bike straight away - take a few minutes. Adrenalin kicks in and can cloud your judgement. I did it after the first of my crashes - wanted to get home with the bike and then back out to A&E for my injuries; really shouldn't have been riding a bike with a concussion and dislocated shoulder (as I discovered at A&E, along with a few less significant injuries)
RE: not seeing many people who don't wear helmets, unfortunately living in London it's everywhere (including people breaking the speed limits on homemade e-bikes) I've abbreviated my favourite ones to BHNH's though (Big Headphones, No Helmet) See a lot of them oblivious to what's going on around them with their noise-cancelling headphones riding their cobbled together fixies that probably have sh*tty brakes too...
Anyway, stay safe out there - wear a helmet.
I did take my time getting back on,I had to straighten the brake up as that had twisted,and when I looked down one of the buckles on my shoe had been ripped off so I had to walk back and pick that up 😳. I have been outside to this morning and turned the same corner twice,the only thing that was a bit iffy was a articulated lorry in the lanes coming to collect sugar beat me thinks.So I got off my bike and let him go past.
So I had a crash on my bike Tuesday Morning. on 11:16 - Nov 8 by The_Flashing_Smile
I'm not being Contrary Colin, I'm citing evidential studies.
The cost and ease are nothing to do with it.
But yes, it's everyone's call what they want to go with. I'm just providing balance, with evidence, that shows you're more likely to be in an accident if you're wearing a helmet. If you'd rather take that risk, because at least your head's protected if it happens, then go for it. I just want to show it's not as simple as "wear a helmet, they save lives" as many believe and have been saying in this thread.
Well let’s face it Dollers if you have a crash on a push bike and bump the head on the road,it has to be better wearing the cycling helmet.
So I had a crash on my bike Tuesday Morning. on 11:11 - Nov 8 by The_Flashing_Smile
"The evidence is conclusive that a decent helmet does a much better job of protecting your head than no helmet..."
If you're hitting the ground with your head, undoubtably. But you are statistically more likely to hit the ground with your head if wearing a helmet.
"As a driver I've honestly never factored in helmet use when making a pass..."
Consciously, no, me neither. But studies have shown that motorists do drive closer to cyclists wearing helmets, so maybe they're subconsciously feeling the cyclist is a) A better cyclist (they seem more 'professional' for want of a better word), and b) It feels like it's safer because the cyclist is better protected.
I hope you're being responsible if you have kids, and they have their helmets. Out of the small fraction of drivers who choose to drive dangerously close to kids, the amount who consider the headgear situation must be an even smaller fraction.
I agree with you that those who wear helmets are statistically more likely to hit the ground with their head, with the caveat that I've only managed quick scan of your links and don't know if there is data to support this opinion. It speaks to the age-old difference between correlation and causation for me. Most serious or hobbyist outdoor cyclists, by which I mean the mile crunchers who do outdoor cycling for fitness, wear helmets and are at significantly more risk of a serious crash than those who pootle about Ipswich town centre, on account of the type of cycling they participate in. There aren't many in this group who elect to ride without a helmet, because the danger of doing so consistently is far greater.
If you're working hard on your bike and covering decent distances, a helmet is essential equipment really. If you're casually cruising, avoiding nasty weather, keeping to comparatively safe roads and are a competent cyclist, you must be safer than I am with just my helmet lol, but I'd still exercise caution in those scenarios and have one on anyway, as it's impossible to account for an unfortunate brush with a murderous driver.
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So I had a crash on my bike Tuesday Morning. on 13:00 - Nov 8 with 1113 views
So I had a crash on my bike Tuesday Morning. on 08:20 - Nov 8 by The_Flashing_Smile
Did you take off your stabilisers too soon? Only joking!
I'll get pelters and downarrows galore for this, but studies on whether wearing cycle helmets improve safety or not are inconclusive.
It seems counterintuitive - and in your specific situation then yes the helmet did obviously help. However I've read studies in the past that led me to never wear a helmet. From things like drivers driving too close (because they subconsciously think you're safer) to cyclists themselves being slightly braver/more reckless in a helmet.
Those saying, "Yes, you should definitely wear a helmet/they're a lifesaver" are not backed up by the evidence.
I came off my bike last year, actually was remembrance weekend, my own fault, road was slippy, greasy, wet with mud, I didn't see like a lip on the surface of the road and the front wheel just folded under me as i hit it and I was a passenger as i slid on the road to a stop.
My head didn't hit a damn thing. My shoulder, elbow, hand, hip, thigh, knee and foot on the other hand... Had to ride home for an hour with blood coming from the road rash as my knee had slid along the tarmac down my leg, and then use melolin plasters (which are great btw) for about a week till it healed, whilst wearing shorts in mid November till the weeping stopped , though I've still got the scars and always will have.
But my head was fine.
I wear a helmet to keep my head warm, be somewhere cool to store sunglasses mid ride, and stop people complaining I should have worn a helmet (same people who drive in cars at 70mph and don't bat an eyelid about head protection in cars ime) but i'm under no illusions theyll do anything to protect me in a crash on my bike, even before that crash that was my view and it certainly didn't change it.
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So I had a crash on my bike Tuesday Morning. on 13:15 - Nov 8 with 1070 views
Pedal clips are very dangerous - just imagine being able to stick a foot out when you slow down or fall over. Most cycle clothing doesn’t protect you either. - though I’d agree that most cycle helmets are fit for purpose.
So I had a crash on my bike Tuesday Morning. on 13:15 - Nov 8 by ElephantintheRoom
Pedal clips are very dangerous - just imagine being able to stick a foot out when you slow down or fall over. Most cycle clothing doesn’t protect you either. - though I’d agree that most cycle helmets are fit for purpose.
Yes I know they are,I once pulled into a farmers field entrance for a P and forgot to release my foot,and over I went just laid there laughing as I was also locked into the pedals.
I always release my left foot now if I’m coming up to a blind junction just in case.
I cycle nearly every day and I don't wear a crash helmet. I don't cycle very fast at my age and I avoid main roads if possible. I generally wear a highviz bib, and always bright lights front and rear after dusk. Mrs M has an electric bike and she always wears a helmet when cycling, but she doesn't nag me to do so. I do sometimes think I should. Do they really keep your head warm in winter?
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So I had a crash on my bike Tuesday Morning. on 13:32 - Nov 8 with 1072 views
So I had a crash on my bike Tuesday Morning. on 13:23 - Nov 8 by Hugoagogo_Reborn
Glad you are ok.
I experienced concussion from a bike accident and goodness knows how bad my head injury would have been if I hadn't been wearing a cycle helmet.
Luckily for me, I can't remember the accident, so I've never felt nervous about cycling since! Lol.
But yeah, I got a huge egg on the side of my head and an impressive black eye to boot.
Hope you recover quickly!
[Post edited 8 Nov 2024 13:24]
Thank you I am ok just a bit sore through the road rash and my hip hurts where I landed on my left side,so that is a bit grazed as well.
I didn’t go out yesterday as I had family things to do.
But I did go out this morning at 8am it was only +10 here,so it’s getting colder but I did the same route and where I had crashed was completely dry this morning,so I rode round the block and did it again,mind you a Range Rover overtook me and forced another motorist to stop coming towards me,so it all happens round here.
So I had a crash on my bike Tuesday Morning. on 13:32 - Nov 8 by Meadowlark
I cycle nearly every day and I don't wear a crash helmet. I don't cycle very fast at my age and I avoid main roads if possible. I generally wear a highviz bib, and always bright lights front and rear after dusk. Mrs M has an electric bike and she always wears a helmet when cycling, but she doesn't nag me to do so. I do sometimes think I should. Do they really keep your head warm in winter?
They do if you wear a bandana under the hat.Or something like that.
So I had a crash on my bike Tuesday Morning. on 07:56 - Nov 8 by BlueBoots
Bad luck to Benters (hard enough coping with what's moving around on the roads, without having to encounter something on it that shouldn't be there) Up arrows all around for advice around wearing a helmet; I've had a few crashes over the years, but thankfully only 2 bad ones where I've gone over the handlebars and hit my head on the ground (with the bike landing on top of me for good measure too) Without question wearing a bike helmet saved me from serious injury (or worse)
Where I will take issue with the OP, is if you do have a crash, particularly where you bang your head, don't just get back on the bike straight away - take a few minutes. Adrenalin kicks in and can cloud your judgement. I did it after the first of my crashes - wanted to get home with the bike and then back out to A&E for my injuries; really shouldn't have been riding a bike with a concussion and dislocated shoulder (as I discovered at A&E, along with a few less significant injuries)
RE: not seeing many people who don't wear helmets, unfortunately living in London it's everywhere (including people breaking the speed limits on homemade e-bikes) I've abbreviated my favourite ones to BHNH's though (Big Headphones, No Helmet) See a lot of them oblivious to what's going on around them with their noise-cancelling headphones riding their cobbled together fixies that probably have sh*tty brakes too...
Anyway, stay safe out there - wear a helmet.
Pleased to hear Benters is relatively OK after that. Diesel can be a killer on the road - often as a result of a missing filler cap after attempted theft and fuel sloshing out apparently.
In support of your second paragraph, Toms Skujin's crash from the Tour of California in 2017 illustrates the point perfectly. I was working with his sister at the time and have always followed his career but please take your time when you come off - adrenaline, a head injury and the 'get back on your bike' mantra are a heady mix. He's recovered fully now.
It's 106 miles to Portman Road, we've got a full tank of gas, half a round of Port Salut, it's dark... and we're wearing blue tinted sunglasses.
So I had a crash on my bike Tuesday Morning. on 13:40 - Nov 8 by Plums
Pleased to hear Benters is relatively OK after that. Diesel can be a killer on the road - often as a result of a missing filler cap after attempted theft and fuel sloshing out apparently.
In support of your second paragraph, Toms Skujin's crash from the Tour of California in 2017 illustrates the point perfectly. I was working with his sister at the time and have always followed his career but please take your time when you come off - adrenaline, a head injury and the 'get back on your bike' mantra are a heady mix. He's recovered fully now.
So I had a crash on my bike Tuesday Morning. on 13:32 - Nov 8 by Benters
Thank you I am ok just a bit sore through the road rash and my hip hurts where I landed on my left side,so that is a bit grazed as well.
I didn’t go out yesterday as I had family things to do.
But I did go out this morning at 8am it was only +10 here,so it’s getting colder but I did the same route and where I had crashed was completely dry this morning,so I rode round the block and did it again,mind you a Range Rover overtook me and forced another motorist to stop coming towards me,so it all happens round here.
I bet. I went to an osteopath (specialist in cranial osteopathy) after my accident. Did the world of good. There's a lot of force flowing through the body when you hit the ground hard.
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So I had a crash on my bike Tuesday Morning. on 14:12 - Nov 8 with 965 views
So I had a crash on my bike Tuesday Morning. on 12:54 - Nov 8 by Vegtablue
I hope you're being responsible if you have kids, and they have their helmets. Out of the small fraction of drivers who choose to drive dangerously close to kids, the amount who consider the headgear situation must be an even smaller fraction.
I agree with you that those who wear helmets are statistically more likely to hit the ground with their head, with the caveat that I've only managed quick scan of your links and don't know if there is data to support this opinion. It speaks to the age-old difference between correlation and causation for me. Most serious or hobbyist outdoor cyclists, by which I mean the mile crunchers who do outdoor cycling for fitness, wear helmets and are at significantly more risk of a serious crash than those who pootle about Ipswich town centre, on account of the type of cycling they participate in. There aren't many in this group who elect to ride without a helmet, because the danger of doing so consistently is far greater.
If you're working hard on your bike and covering decent distances, a helmet is essential equipment really. If you're casually cruising, avoiding nasty weather, keeping to comparatively safe roads and are a competent cyclist, you must be safer than I am with just my helmet lol, but I'd still exercise caution in those scenarios and have one on anyway, as it's impossible to account for an unfortunate brush with a murderous driver.
I don't have kids but those are all fair comments.
Trust the process. Trust Phil.
1
So I had a crash on my bike Tuesday Morning. on 16:12 - Nov 8 with 819 views
So I had a crash on my bike Tuesday Morning. on 14:12 - Nov 8 by BanksterDebtSlave
I still don't wear one but then I just pootle about on a mountain bike now and again.
On tracks and trials or roads ?
I went out with a mate he had a 4k mountain bike,I was on a early 80s road bike cost me £20 I noticed it caked in crap in someone’s garden I was working in.Anyway Mr fancy pants couldn’t keep up with me on the roads,but then I doubt I’d keep up with him on the tracks and trials.
So I had a crash on my bike Tuesday Morning. on 13:36 - Nov 8 by Benters
They do if you wear a bandana under the hat.Or something like that.
Go careful dude 👍
That's what I do. They call it a do-rag, I think, and every time I put it on I sing to myself "the do-rag, rag, rag, the do-rag, rag." which I believe is some kind of old Motown song?
So I had a crash on my bike Tuesday Morning. on 08:20 - Nov 8 by The_Flashing_Smile
Did you take off your stabilisers too soon? Only joking!
I'll get pelters and downarrows galore for this, but studies on whether wearing cycle helmets improve safety or not are inconclusive.
It seems counterintuitive - and in your specific situation then yes the helmet did obviously help. However I've read studies in the past that led me to never wear a helmet. From things like drivers driving too close (because they subconsciously think you're safer) to cyclists themselves being slightly braver/more reckless in a helmet.
Those saying, "Yes, you should definitely wear a helmet/they're a lifesaver" are not backed up by the evidence.
There are very strong arguments against that second paper by the way. Multiple studies have shown helmets do reduce head injuries, but of course it's complicated as other factors do too (like not having diesel spills on corners!).
Benter's benefitted from one by the sounds of it. I've split a helmet before, which could easily have been my head instead. What they can't do is mitigate the damage in big crashes because cyclists are incredibly vulnerable compared to motorised road users. A little bit of polystyrene isn't going to stop someone getting splatted by a car. Which is why drivers/riders should take extra care around them, slow down and give them room.
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