Bike Helmets Essay Example

likelihood of fatality while riding in passenger cars is almost twice as high as when bicycling (Bicycle 15). Opponents of helmet laws also express concern about the potential impact on the popularity of cycling as a sport. For instance, after Australia implemented helmet laws, surveys conducted in Sydney revealed a 38% decrease in cycling participation (Convissor 1).

Another issue is the argument that helmets are inconvenient and uncomfortable. The opponents of helmet laws seem to have a good argument. Helmet use cannot prevent an accident and Department of Transportation statistics indicate seventy five percent of bicycle related deaths are in collisions with motor vehicles (American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons 2), which implies the real problem is with automobile drivers causing accidents with bikes. Preventing accidents with cars would reduce the need for bicycle riders to wear helmets. The risk of fatality is measured by the Department of Transportation and calculated per million hours of exposure to various activities. The statistics show that the risk of fatality for bicycle riding is .26 while riding in passenger cars is nearly double at .47 (Bicycle 15) indicating again that "requiring motorists to wear helmets will save more lives" (Convissor 1).

Another valid concern is that enacting a law mandating helmet use may lead to a decline in the number of cyclists. Is it worthwhile to implement a law if it means reducing the ridership? Utilizing bicycles brings about various advantages, such as reducing pollution levels, alleviating automobile congestion, encouraging a healthy lifestyle, and serving as an efficient mode of transportation. Numerous major cities actively endorse bicycle usage as an alternative for commuting by car. Certainly, we do not wish to

discourage cycling and decrease the overall number of bicycles.

The importance of bicycle helmets lies in their contribution to comfort and convenience. Initially, when helmet laws were enforced in Maryland in 1990 (BHSI/CDC 1), the design of helmets was bulky, resulting in their large size and lack of comfort and convenience. However, it is crucial to note that while helmets cannot prevent accidents, they significantly improve rider safety. According to statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in 1997, ninety-seven percent of bicyclists who died were not wearing helmets (BHSI/Compendium 2). It is also important to recognize that head injuries are the leading cause of death in such cases (Macyko 1). Furthermore, it is essential to acknowledge that there is no valid comparison between the safety measures available for automobile passengers and bicycle riders. This discrepancy arises because automobile passengers benefit from a sturdy metal car frame, safety belts, and often airbags as additional safeguards in case of a collision.

Despite the lack of crash protection, studies have shown that wearing helmets can significantly reduce head injuries for bicyclists. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports that bicycle helmets can decrease head injuries by up to 95% (2). Therefore, they are considered the most effective counter measure available, according to the National (2).

There is no need to be concerned about helmet laws as they do not permanently reduce the number of cyclists. In Melbourne, Australia, a helmet law implemented in 1992 resulted in a temporary decline of 30-60% in bicycle usage (International 1). However, this decline was found to be transient and lasted approximately 2-3 months (Third 4).

The decline in the number of bike riders can

be attributed to their need for time to adjust to helmets or acquire a suitable one and learn how to use it correctly. Nevertheless, this decrease is justified as it results in a reduction in head injuries and fatalities from bicycle accidents. In the last thirty years, helmet designs have significantly improved and are no longer bulky, uncomfortable, or expensive. Like other new products, helmets have greatly improved in style, comfort, and cost over time. Helmet manufacturers have made helmets larger and more aesthetically pleasing that in areas where helmet use is not required by law, "most riders consider helmets more as a fashion statement than a safety device" (BHSI/Mandatory 5).

The new bicycle helmet designs have optional drink dispensers and rear-view mirrors, which offer improved comfort and protection compared to older models. Additionally, the prices have significantly decreased, with a new helmet costing approximately $10 (Bell Bike Helmets 1). In order to assist financially disadvantaged individuals who cannot afford a helmet, local police departments and rotary clubs have organized various programs that provide free helmets to those in need (Collaboration 3). Evidence from other countries where helmet use is mandatory shows that helmets can reduce head injuries by 70% (International 1). Therefore, it is crucial for Arizona to pass legislation requiring protective helmets for bicyclists of all ages.

Research in Australia, a country with mandatory helmet laws, has demonstrated a 60% reduction in bicycle fatalities and a 21% decrease in serious injuries (Third 3). The estimated effectiveness of bicycle helmets in mitigating head and brain injuries across all types of bicycle accidents is approximately 80-85%, making them the most efficient measure for preventing head injuries and

fatalities (National 2). Thus, it is imperative for Arizona to implement helmet legislation to safeguard cyclists.

Work Cited

1. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Position Statement "Helmet Use by Motorcycle Drivers and Passengers, and Bicyclists". Dec. 1992. 24 Jan 1999 http://www.aaos.org/wordhtml/papers/position/mhelmet.htm
2. Bell Helmets. Everyone's Turned Pro. 1998. 23 Feb 1999
3. Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute. Centers for Disease Control. Evaluation of Legislation and Community Programs to Increase the use of Bicycle Helmets. Oct 1997. 24 Jan 1999
4. Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute.

A Compendium of Statistics from Various Sources. Oct. 1993. 24 Jan 1999.

Mandatory Helmet Laws: A Summary. BHSIDOC#513

• Jan 1999 24 Jan 1999
• "Collaboration for Safe Bicycling". Building Bridges Electronic Newsletter. 1:3 (Fall 1994) 24 Jan 1999.
• Convissor, Daniel. Mandatory Bicycle Helmet Legislation? July 98.

On 3 Jan 1999, The International Pro-Choice Bicycle Helmet Coalition published a report titled "Results of Helmet Laws". This was followed by an article in the Navy Health Book by LCDR (USN) Macyko titled "A Bicycle Helmet Could Save Your Life".

April 1994. 24 Jan 1999

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Children Traffic Safety Facts 1997. 1997. 24 Jan 1999.
• The Third International Conference on Injury Prevention and Control. Links to and Notes on 3ICIPC.

Feb 1996. 24 Jan 1999