Bicycle helmets haven't changed since their introduction

Re:Bicycle helmets haven't changed since their introduction by rdouble on Tuesday June 18, 2013 @07:15PM (#5902658)

In the USA people tend to ride bikes with frame designs inspired by either road or mountain racing bikes. This type of bike geometry makes it easy to get thrown over the handlebars and land on your head should you have an accident.

However, in countries like China, the Netherlands and Denmark, the most popular bikes are typically upright designs that haven't changed much in 100 years. These bikes are pretty much impossible to get thrown over the handlebars, and as such you will never land on your head. The same goes for beach cruisers, bromptons, citi bikes / velib, kids bikes and anything described as a "leisure" bike.

For cyclists who use this sort of bike it doesn't matter that bike helmets haven't changed much, because they are unnecessary for safety, anyway.

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Re:Bicycle helmets haven't changed since their introduction by dragonwriter on Tuesday June 18, 2013 @07:17PM (#5902668)

Your position seems to presume that you cannot receive a head injury in a bicycle accident without being thrown over the handlebars, which is rather emphatically not the case.

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Re:Bicycle helmets haven't changed since their introduction by rdouble on Tuesday June 18, 2013 @07:33PM (#5902736)

Sure, it's theoretically possible but you'd have to try pretty hard to hit your head falling off a dutch bike. Anyone who manages that should probably not be riding a bike in the first place.

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Re:Bicycle helmets haven't changed since their introduction by freiheit on Tuesday June 18, 2013 @07:22PM (#5902698)

If you fall to the side at low speeds, you're more likely to land on your shoulder or arm. (knee and hip are likely involved in such a fall, too)

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