My hubby's coworker got a ticket today for riding his bicycle without

[napi21]

a helmet! Can you believe THAT? The poor guy was riding his bicycle to work because his only car developed an engine problem and he doesn't have the $$ to fix it right now! He only lives 1 mile from where they work so he was told he could push the bicycle the rest of the way BUT DON'T GET ON IT!!!! He called a friend to meet him at work and take him to WM to buy a helmet.

This is Ga. and I knew there was a helmet law for riding a motorcycle, but a bike????? What's wrong with these legislators????

[1monster]

1. I don't know about Georgia, but in Florida, it is against the law for anyone under 17

to ride a bicycle without a helmet. Seventeen and over have the legal discretion to either wear a helmet or not.

It's a $50.00 fine for those under 17 caught riding their bikes w/o a helmet.

[napi21]

10. Well, this guy is 52 so I guess Ga. law is different than Fl.

I disagree with the law, but I guess my point is, I live in Ga. and I never heard of this law! I have no idea if it's new or not, but it sure didn't get the publicity that the seat belt requirement or motorcycle holmet law got! You don't need a license to ride a bike, so how was this guy supposed to even know? I don't know how much the ticket was, but if he already didn't have enough money to fix his car, this extra surprise expense FOR NO RETURN sure isn't helping him!

[Gormy Cuss]

87. According to the state's own web page, GA law mandates helmets for under age 16 only.

No mandatory helmet law for bicycling adults.
http://www.gohs.state.ga.us/gabikelaws.html

[JCMach1]

35. Arg... Republican nanny state at work...

LOL

[zanne]

94. How about wearing a helmet while driving a motorcycle?

NH doesn't have a helmet law. (Maybe for kids, but not for adults)

[BuyingThyme]

2. What does the law say about walking really fast?

[rucky]

7. As long as you're wearing shoes... n/t

[Bake]

86. Shoes? In Georgia?

I had no idea.

:rofl:

Bake

[Sukie1941]

3. I like it

If people refuse to wear helmets for biking of any kind, or other hazardous activities for which helmets are required, then they should not get any insurance monies for the consequences.

You can get totally wiped out if you fall off a bike. Brain injuries are common.

[Feron]

28. The world is an imperfect place

and people will do things that you will disapprove of. However I'm glad that medical care doesn't come with a moral judgement. Even people who take stupid risks deserve to have their insurance claims paid.

Your insurance also pays for the Paris Hiltons and Oxy Rushes. Simply because they don't meet your puritanical ideal of who should get insurance money doesn't mean that they are unworthy of using the benefits that they pay for.

An adult getting a ticket for biking without a helmet is idiotic. Ditto for seatbelts. If someone wants to be a Darwin candidate, then that is their right. I don't want the goverment treating me like a child that doesn't know any better. F off.

Bottom line: You can't save people from themselves. Tickets are just a feel good measure to generate revenue.

[Javaman]

72. A bike helmet saved my life.

They should be required.

13 years ago, while out riding one bright sunny sunday morning at 6:30 am in California, I was cut off by a drunk driver into a parked car. Over the handle bars I went into the rear wind shield. The helmet did what it was designed to do, fracture and spread the damage over a larger area.

Today, I only have a small scar on my cheek. Given the force of the impact, the doctor told me I probably either would have been paralyzed or dead.

Regardless of what people think about, "oh, they are trying to tell me what to do!" oh bullshit. There are so many things that the law tells us what to do, why in gods name to we get so fucking bent out of shape when it comes to our own safety?

They take away habeas corpus, but yet we get pissed about wearing a bike helmet.

How fucking silly is that?

We live in a nation of fucking twits who have grossly misplaced set of priorities.

[Buzz Clik]

77. Bike helmets save lives, but should not be required by law.

[Javaman]

81. Why? nt

[Buzz Clik]

82. People make dangerous choices all the time. It's part of life.

Electricity kills people, as does natural gas. Cars, airplanes, and bathtubs.

The argument, "if it saves just one life" is nonsense when it comes to a personal choice. I fully believe in safety standards and protecting people from dangers they don't understand, but passing laws to protect people from themselves is ridiculous.

[Javaman]

84. So by that logic you are against seat belts? Even though they have

saved countless lives?

[Buzz Clik]

85. I'm all for seat belts, but I'm all against seat belt laws.

[Javaman]

88. And again, why? driving is not a right and is regulated by the state.

so therefore they can pass seat belt laws.

[Buzz Clik]

89. They can and do pass all kinds of laws. I don't have to like them.

[Javaman]

90. Touche'! True LOL nt

[Toots]

66. Do you feel the same about tobacco users?

Or how about taking a bath without a helmet? Most accidents occur in the home and slipping in the bathtub is a leading cause..

[gratuitous]

4. No sympathy from me

I ride several miles to work a couple of times a week, and I wouldn't dream of getting on my bike without a helmet, even if it's just to test a newly-patched tire to the end of the driveway and back.

[TahitiNut]

11. Hell... even the anti-abortion people make a better case than THAT.

(sheesh) :eyes:

[gratuitous]

15. ???

I'll expand it, then: Getting hit by a car or simply losing control on a bike, whether you're on a public thoroughfare or your own driveway, can put you in a life-threatening situation. There are several scenarios where wearing a helmet or not wearing a helmet isn't going to make a bit of difference. But there are also many, many situations where the difference between a debilitating injury and a couple of bumps and bruises is wearing a helmet. I don't know about Georgia, but good serviceable helmets are available where I live for $15, and for folks that can't afford even that nominal amount, there are many organizations and cycling clubs that will give you one for the asking.

If the cost of upkeep on his car is beyond this fellow's means, then the cost of paralysis or blunt force trauma to his cranium isn't going to be any cheaper. If he's going to get on a bike without knowing the laws governing their operation in his state, I'd say a citation is the very least of his worries. Money out of pocket can be replaced by continuing in his job and economizing in other areas of his life. The use of one's legs isn't quite such a fungible commodity.

I've worked in personal injury law firms for over two decades and talked to the victims and in some cases the surviving relatives of bicycle accidents. Not to lay it on too thick, a helmet is a must.

I'm $10 sorry this happened. If napi21 PMs me with an address, I'll gladly send a check to defray this guy's costs; hopefully older will mean wiser.

[BlooInBloo]

30. That's right! People who think bicyclists should wear helmets are WORSE than anti-choice people!

:rofl:

DUers slay me.

[Buzz Clik]

78. I believe the comment referred to the argument.

There was no comparison between the groups of people.

In his second post, gratuitous did a nice job of supporting his position.

[Speck Tater]

5. In the 1970's in Santa Barbara CA I got a SPEEDING ticket on a bike! (nt)

[ContraBass Black]

42. That's a mark of athletic honor.

How fast were you going?

[SeattleGirl]

6. Bike helmets are mandatory for everyone here in King County, where

Seattle is. Other than the fact that it makes me look like a dork, I don't mind wearing one at all.

[Clark2008]

70. I think its a conspiracy to prevent people from biking to work rather

than walking.

Most females cannot wear a helmet and then work - it would make their hair stick straight up.

One of the main reasons I cannot ride to work (besides the distance) is that I would look like rumpled crap when I got there and we have a dress code.

[LeftyMom]

8. A helmet costs much less than a trip to the ER.

What's "wrong" with those legislators is that they know paying for his lifetime of care after a brain injury really isn't in the budget.

[Gregorian]

9. Uh oh. Helmet debate.

I wear my helmet when I'm flying down a trail. I don't wear it when I'm climbing slowly. An d often I don't wear it if I'm just riding down the street.

Up until around 1980 there really was no such thing as helmets we know today.

I think it's up to the person whether they want to wear one. I don't see any argument that validates forcing people to do so. After all, we're doing far more damage to the economy through our use of petroleum than any few people sustaining head injury. I should qualify that statement. What I mean is long term. Of course petroleum is GREAT for our economy. But the wars and global warming it causes are actually far more detrimental than it's benefits. That's my opinion. But I'll bet in 200 years it'll be fact. Maybe.

Smoking is legal, and it costs us way more than head injuries.

[Oeditpus Rex]

14. Smoking is also regulated and heavily taxed

with a majority of the tax going to health care and anti-tobacco education and enforcement.

[MadBadger]

12. To me, this is just like not wearing a seatbelt. No sympathy from me either.

[Clintonista2]

13. I always hate it because my parents

dont wear seatbelts while in the car, and they dont wear helmets while riding their bike. It's such an easy way to protect yourself, it's a shame that people dont do it :(

[Sukie1941]

18. Fines for no seatbelts in Oregon

are over $100 per person per incident now.

"Click It or Ticket"

[Bigmack]

16. Helmets save lives and brain cells.

Anybody who refuses to use a proven safety device is a dumbshit!

The "Nanny State" should get involved is to protect me.... as a biker or a driver... from dumbshits who refuse to follow safety rules.

[lvx35]

17. What a waste of time.

Cops should be making the world safer, starting with those who threaten the safety of OTHERS. You Husband wasn't threatening anybody's safety but his own...And with so many crazy drivers out there, I have no doubt that the officers could have been doing something a lot more effective than going after cyclists.

[emilyg]

19. but we end up paying for extended care.

no sympathy here.

[lvx35]

21. How does that work? Nobody pays for my accidents but me. nt

[oldgrowth]

40. Not true I've seen many TBI patients with 2mil bills+when your Cobra

Runs out if you can afford it we pay!!!

[devilgrrl]

62. Guess we should bag that idea of Universal Health care then - huh?

Look what it'll end up paying for - idiot cyclists who don't wear helmets! :wow: :sarcasm:

[Fox Mulder]

20. Jesus Christ!

What's next, people getting ticketed because they didn't chew their food enough times??? :eyes:

[Shine]

22. They don't call 'em "brain buckets" for nothing.

I would never consider riding my bike without a helmet. It saved my life once in a fall. Seriously, I might not be typing these words right now had I not been wearing a helmet when I took my spill.

It's a bummer he got a ticket, but hey, it could've been a LOT worse, trust me.
Now at least he can be a bit more safe on the road.

[Solo_in_MD]

23. The nanny state is everywhere...

[ComerPerro]

24. guy who violates law gets ticket. What an outrage!

[Hippo_Tron]

25. Helmet law for a bike seems a bit absurd

[BuyingThyme]

27. This is the first time I've ever heard of such a thing, so

I haven't really developed a position.

But the thought of being ticketed for hopping on a bike without a helmet is downright frightening. It's like kicking innocence in he face.

[Clintonista2]

31. But if it has saved just one life, isn't it worth it?

I mean look, there's gotta be people out there that have only worn seatbelts/helmets because they are afraid of being fined, and then had their life saved by laws like this. Also consider, for example, situations in which parents wouldn't bother to buy their kids helmets (if it wasnt against the law to wear them). I can hardly imagine a kid BEGGING his/her parents to buy them a helmet.

[BuyingThyme]

32. Maybe. Maybe not.

I suspect people have committed suicide in response to reading things on the internet, but that doesn't mean that surfing the internet should be banned.

[Clintonista2]

34. Your analogy is invalid

A person who commits suicide does so intentionally, while a person who rides without a helmet does not wish to die, but rather, lacks the common sense to take needed safety precautions. As far as I'm aware, there is no "right to be comfortable".

[BuyingThyme]

36. Then use rape, or child predation. It's not difficult to come up with an analogy.

But none are ever perfect.

[Hippo_Tron]

39. For kids I'm okay with it

But adults should be able to make their own decision.

[MadHound]

49. Well, wrapping everybody in bubble wrap would certainly save one life

But frankly is it worth it?

Life is a scary proposition, with danger everywhere. One can slip and fall going down the stairs, should we all wear helmets? Kids playing baseball is dangerous, should they all wear padding? Road rash is much more of a prevalent injury in biking than head injuries, should everybody where a motorcycle jacket and riding chaps?

I've ridden bikes for four decades now, some of them competitively. I've been in many, many wrecks and in absolutely zero of them, did my helment come into play. Road rash, spokes through my calf muscle, arms and legs sliced open, etc. These were the injuries that I suffered. Yes, your mileage may vary, but the point that I'm trying to make is that not every accident, in fact the minority of accidents don't involve the head. Oh, and just for your info, yes, I wore a helmet during the races, but not at any other time. I find them to be hot and confining, since most of your body heat escapes through your head.

[LSK]

58. well if we lock everyone in a perfectly controlled bubble

and never go anywhere, Im sure we will save a few lives. But somewhere you have to draw a line between nannystate and freedom.

[Buzz Clik]

80. No. Never.

I'd be willing to wager that there are more head injuries from people falling down in their bathrooms than from bicycle accidents. Should helmets be mandatory in the vicinity of porcelain?

[murloc]

26. how silly

A 52 year old man is entitled to ride a BICYCLE without a helmet if he wants.

If that were me, Id get 2 tickets. One for no helmet and one for laughing at stupid laws.

[napi21]

38. You and me both. When I heard about this I figured I'd probably be in jail for

something, but it would not be riding without a helmet! I get so disgusted with these kind of laws. If someone feels SOOO strongly that they are right, then convince me! IF you can do that, I'll wear the seatbelt, or the helmet or what ever your soapbox is at the time, but if you FAI to convince me of YOUR point of view, then TS, you failed, and I'll make my own decisions!

[Art_from_Ark]

41. Speaking as one who has taken several bicycle tours,

that went through, at one time or another, every state that borders the Mississippi River, as well as Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado,and California, I don't particularly see the need for an adult to wear a helmet. In my case, a helmet was actually more dangerous, since on a hot day it trapped too much heat at the top of my head, resulting in a steady stream of sweat flowing into my eyes.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

47. Thank you! I lived on a bicycle for years -- and I agree

the one-size-fits-all law is really a bad idea.

[bikebloke]

75. Use your head, and you won't fall on it

That means defensive riding and monitoring traffic behavior. Never trust a car and give them plenty of room. I see plenty of people with helmets riding so recklessly, that a helmet won't save them. And there's nothing wrong with using brakes on a bike. Slowing down or stopping can avoid a lot of grief. Personally, I don't believe in toe clips and clip-on shoes. Many spills can be avoid by kicking out a foot, or even stepping out of the fall, landing on your feet.

Besides everyday commuting for about 20 years, I've done long treks in Europe, New Zealand and Australia.

[wtmusic]

96. Speaking as one whose life was saved by a helmet last year

as well as from a statistical point of view, you're just plain wrong.

For the sweat, there's an easy answer for that too:

http://store.haloheadband.com/Default.asp?Redirected=Y

[mwb970]

50. They should make us wear helmets while driving too, right?

And kids should wear helmets while climbing the jungle-jim, if they happen to be at a playground that still allows those deathtraps. (Some irresponsible schools are still allowing kids to play "tag" at recess without helmets!)

It goes without saying that you should wear a helmet while doing dangerous jobs around the house like cleaning the garage or painting a ceiling. You could get killed!

[Jed Dilligan]

29. As far as I'm concerned, people can ride helmetless

with iPods in their ears, but when one rides out in front of my car I'd rather not end up charged with vehicular manslaughter.

:shrug:

[Esra Star]

33. Helmets are a very good idea. Thick people will just take time

to understand.

[beevul]

37. When in doubt, side with liberty.

People SHOULD be able make these sorts of decisions on thier own, without governmental duress to push them one way or the other. I was a BMX racer and freestyle rider most of my teenage and a small part of my adult life, and unless I was in competition, I NEVER wore a helmet. My safety is MY responsibility, not that of some egghead in an office somewhere. Most folks can decide pretty well whats good for them or not in my experience. What happened to people being able to choose for themselves?

[bleedingheart]

55. well you were lucky...

had you taken a spill as a teenager and ended up a quadraplegic...guess who's you would have punished more than yourself...the parents who would have had to take care of your body while suctioning out your airway...and moving you around so that you wouldn't get bed sores...

funny how people never think about those who might get stuck caring for you to preserve your liberties...

[beevul]

60. Thats one view...

But not the only one.


It wasn't just me, it was everyone I rode with. And there were quite a few of us. We would be the guys with the scraped legs from slipping one of these (which of course we sharpened with a file when they became dull):

(Imagine slipping a pedal and having one of these rake your shin when your pumping hard on the pedals)

There were some dozen or so of us, and none of us ever wore helmets (outside races) or had the things you describe happen to us. Sure we had our share of cuts scrapes and roadrash. And we broke our share of bikes. We each probably took more spills than any one average person would in 5 lifetimes. And thats no exageration. That being the case, I don't think its right fair or accurate to call that luck. More reasonable to call someone taking a bad spill bad luck or a freak accident, because it sure doesn't happen with any frequency to most folks, even those of us who pushed it.

And its proof enough for me that the law in question is just plain stupid.

"funny how people never think about those who might get stuck caring for you to preserve your liberties..."

The same way as people never think about those who might get stuck caring for them when they go outside without a lightning rod attatched to thier heads.

Because thats about the equivalent, in odds.

[Celeborn Skywalker]

43. That's bullshit.

I swear, with the patriot act and shit like this we are becoming more of a police/nanny state every day.

[Double T]

44. Too many legislators with too much time to make up BS laws...........

'WE' need fewer legislators, working part time, costing 'US' less money and creating fewer ridiculous laws.

[Kiouni]

45. What kind of message does that send to kids?

When we tell our kids to wear their helmets and they see grown-ups not doing it what does this say. Do as I say and not as I do? I'm sorry for the inconvenience or the vanity issue but hitting some gravel or a pot-hole and whacking your melon on the curb could be saved by wearing a ten dollar safety device. So wear it!

[dysfunctional press]

63. i don't have kids, and i don't intend to wear a helmet.

i've made it this far just fine without one, thank-you.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

46. The helmut nazis are out...

[Edweird]

48. Oh good grief. I am an adult. I wear a helmet when I see fit. otherwise f-off.

[B Calm]

51. It gets damn hot in Georgia. Even hotter when you're pedaling a bike.

Wearing a helmet is dangerous because it will cause your body to overheat. Don't pay the fine, tell them to kiss your ass!

[napi21]

52. You made me fall out of my chair laughing at that one!

I have been saying all along that I think the law is BS, and the overheating problem in a hot climate doesn't make me feel any better, but "Tell them to kiss your ass?" Yea, right. The arrogant I'm the boss cops here in Ga. would find a lot of things much more serious that the helmet charge to put this guys behind in the slammer if he did that! The comment really did conjour up quite a mental impression for me! Thanks.

[CottonBear]

57. I've ridden my bike on 18 mile trips in August in GA and I was fine.

I drank plently of water and I wore my helmet the whole time. I ride my horse wearing leather boots, a polo shirt, gloves and a hlemet in August and I am also fine then (not to mention protected from the bad sun rays.)

[B Calm]

65. Everybody's body chemistry is different. Myself, I would sweat to the

extreme driving a motorcycle 65 mph wearing a helmet!

[Robb]

68. I love posting this line from a long-time riding buddy:

"If it's too hot for the gear, it's too hot to ride. Skin grafts are hot too, and you can't take them off at the end of the day."

[B Calm]

92. I guess I'm just too liberal for thinking we don't need big brother

telling us we can't ride a damn bicycle unless we wear a helmet.....

[Robb]

93. Not at all

As I said, I'm fine with it being a personal choice. And my choice is to withhold sympathy when a preventable injury occurs.

[bleedingheart]

53. I love riding my bike and I respect all bikers (motor as well as manual)

however..my biggest pet peeve are those without helmets.

Two days ago my husband and I were driving home in a rainstorm and a motorcyclist was driving alongside us and he had no helmet...and he was sliding...it was quite dangerous...

Now I may be crazy but he should have been wearing a helmet if not for him...but for his loved ones...

Same goes for bicyclists...you should wear a helmet to protect yourself..and especially if you ride on surfaces you share with larger vehicles...

I had a friend...a big time vegetarian who was always trying to convert me so I could be healthier...so one day I countered and said..."here you are...telling me I am not eating right because I eat a bit of meat...but meanwhile you never ride your bike with a helmet...you might end up being the healthiest vegetable in the ICU if you keep that up"...and you know what...he went out and bought a helmet that night...

[seabeyond]

69. a motorcyclist just died up the street hitting a truck while wearing a helmet

about a month ago. they werent going more than 40 mph, or less. whenever i go the quarter of the mile to the little store i see tons of flowers laid, on a telephone poll

death happens, even with a helmet. we act like a helmet will prevent all harm. reality, on a motorcycle or a bike, it could or couldnt prevent death or serious injury. just an added layer of protection.

[CottonBear]

54. A young man was seriously inhjured in Athens last week: rding bike w/ out helmet.

His brain stem was badly injured when he was thrown form his bike after being hit by a car.
He may not live and if he does he will be a vegetable. :(

I wear a helmet to bike, ride my horse and kayak. I've only got one noggin and I need it intact.

[LSK]

56. and how is this enforced?

We dont have bicycle driving licenses so how would you suspend that? Does it go on his drivers licences? What if I dont have one or I dont have a license on me?

While I see all the arguments from people saying helmets save lives, I dont like the big brother aspect of making it a law for everyone.

[jilln]

59. Why is he driving if he can ride his bike a mile to work in the first place?

If you have a problem with the helmet law, you should have a problem with the seatbelt law. It's the same thing.

I do think he should have gotten a warning, though. And the law should be better publicized, although ignorance of the law is no excuse (unfortunately).

[devilgrrl]

61. If cyclists aren't wearing helmets - cars should have a right to mow them down.

:sarcasm:

You would think that several here would be all for it judging from some of responses I've read so far.... disgusting! :nuke:

[seabeyond]

71. i agree. not to mention the illusion of safety.

wear a helmet and on god mode. dont wear a helmet, die.

reality. wearing a helmet or not, one can die in an accident. reality, wearing a helmet or not, one PROBABLY, in all likelihood, will not have an accident not to mention a fatal accident.

i dont ride bike or drive motorcycles because i dont feel safe. just not biker friendly in my community. so this is not a personal issue for me. but i dont see helmets or safety belts in the same way as others on this board, and i certainly dont feel a sense of glee for someone opting out of these extra safety measures if they die... and suggest their death is well deserved or any other derogatory remark with their death

how dare the person chose to climb in a shower, slip and die, dont they know the dangers.

[TommyO]

64. Georgia's helmet law applies to persons 16 and under (a quick search found that)

This had to be a local ordinance.

[baldguy]

67. A helmet costs less than a ticket.

And helmets save lives. (Bike helmets too.)

[slackmaster]

73. A bicycling helmet is cheap insurance against head injuries

Quit your bitching and be glad your state has a government that cares enough about people to make them mandatory.

[derby378]

74. Same thing with seat belts, too

When I first started driving, I didn't wear a seat belt. I liked the freedom. But then I started looking at that belt and telling myself, "Y'know, maybe you should, just in case you do wind up in a horrible accident." So I put it on, and I've kept it on ever since. This was way before states (and the Feds) made it illegal not to wear a seat belt.

And yes, I know what it's like to land on my head without a helmet when I was riding my bicycle. Probably a minor concussion, but hey, I was just a kid. I'd rather not go through that again.

[npincus]

76. sorry- disagree.

helmuts save brains and their attached humans, and nasty tickets are an incentive to get folks to wear them.

[Buzz Clik]

79. Totally agree. Wearing bike helmets is intelligent, but should not be legislated.

I always wear my helmet, and my daughter never gets on her bike without hers. However, I don't need some cop in my grill because I'm not wearing one. Ditto seatbelts. I'm a big boy, and I can make big boy decisions. :eyes:

[Norquist Nemesis]

83. Hoo boy! It's not even the end of the month and they're getting their

quota filled.

[Zookeeper]

91. I wish MN had a bike helmet law...

I fight constantly with my teens, trying to make them wear helmets. Unfortunately, most of their friends don't wear them, so it's not cool.

If they continue with this attitude into adulthood, I guess they'll turn out to be Libertarians. ('Still rebelling against "MOM.")

[B Calm]

95. Before long we'll have to wear a helmet just to go for a walk!

[wtmusic]

97. Some facts:

Bicycle Deaths by Helmet Use
1994-2003
Year No Helmet Helmet Total*
Num
1994 776 (97%) 19 (2%) 796
1995 783 (95%) 34 (4%) 828
1996 731 (96%) 27 (4%) 761
1997 785 (97%) 23 (3%) 811
1998 741 (98%) 16 (2%) 757
1999 698 (93%) 42 (6%) 750
2000 622 (90%) 50 (7%) 689
2001 616 (84%) 60 (8%) 729
2002 589 (89%) 54 (8%) 663
2003 527 (85%) 57 (9%) 619

http://www.helmets.org/stats.htm

This is (no pun intended) a no-brainer. Wear a helmet.