Yikes. Who woulda? thunk a simple little column about the changing times, riding bikes and wearing helmets, would have brought so much mail. I guess I am doing my part to educate the community on this very important issue.
First, let me say to some: relax. My boys, were they ever allowed to ride on a road (which, I can’t see happening with all the trails, parks, paths, etc, around here), they would be helmeted. And, another thing, remember, if I die because I didn’t wear a helmet, you won’t have to read my column anymore, nor be disappointed with any publication that would publish such trash.
Secondly, the study by John Stossel I quoted from last week, came up with this finding: cars drive closer to helmeted bikers, than non-helmeted. ‘When they see a cyclist who has all the gear, they think it’s a sign of someone who’s experienced and skillful. (It was) found that 23 percent more cars came within three feet of him when he wore a helmet.?
Hmm, maybe I am not as stupid as I look? Then again, maybe I am. And, lastly I find it interesting that it looks as if the helmet issue is split down gender lines.
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To Don Rush:
I am writing in regard to the column published April 25, ‘The wussifying of America.?
The closing line, ‘I wouldn’t have anything to write about? says it all. This is a column that should never have seen the light of day. I am disappointed in the editorial staff of the Clarkston News for printing such irresponsible and potentially dangerous information.
I’d like to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume that this column was written tongue-in-cheek, in a failed attempt at humor. You think your children will be mocked as sissies if they wear helmets while bicycling? Is it sissy to wear a seatbelt? Football helmet and pads? Would you let your sons play hockey without safety gear?
While raising our three sons, we spent a lot of time on bikes. I saw all of them hit the pavement at one time or another, in situations that were sudden and unpredictable. Front tire catches a pothole and kid somersaults over the handlebars; a dog dodging traffic sideswipes a bike; riding over the wooden bridge in Depot Park, tires slide out, child flies under railing of bridge and into the creek. All of these incidents could have sent us to Emergency if the kids weren’t wearing helmets.
I suspect that the parents that you mocked in your column actually made you feel guilty. Good. Quit being macho-man and start acting like a parent. Kids learn by example, so get yourself a helmet too.
One more thing, forget the number one bike safety rule you think you learned at Bailey Lake. Bicyclists are supposed to ride with traffic, always, even if they are on the sidewalk. It’s Michigan law.
Joanne S.
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I am of the same generation as you and I too never wore a helmet growing up. I made it through my childhood unscarred and happy. Then I grew up and I learned the hard way that helmets save lives and head injuries. I attended a funeral of one of my former kindergarten students. He was riding his bike, the summer before his second grade year, was hit by a car and died. You never forget a child’s funeral. If only he had been wearing a helmet, maybe he would be here today. My husband and I both tell our three active, bike-riding sons that there is nothing ‘wimpy? about safety (wearing a helmet) . . .
Anonymous
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Don,
Couldn’t agree more with your opinion of bicycle helmets. They look like something that was created to meet a requirement. How much protection can something sitting on the top of your head offer anyway? Great observation.
Dick
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Hello Don,
You are a great American and you made my day. You go right on ridin?, laughin?, hootin; and hollerin? to your heart’s content. The wussies have the right to be wussies, but we have the right to be free spirited, fun loving Americans. My sister and I have an agreement that we will not die in an old folks? home with drool on our shirts; instead we will slide into the grave sideways laughin?, hootin? and hollerin? all the way.
Yeeha! Jim K
PS: I ride my motorcycle like I stole it.
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Don, I agree with 100 percent. I think those streamlined helmets look sillier than hell. I am 80 years old and I still have a bike. I don’t ride it very often, but I still do and I have never worn a helmet a day in my life. Just like you, when I was a kid riding around the hills and up and down the streets I never heard of anybody seriously hurting themselves from falling on their heads.
Charles M.
Share your thoughts, whether I like ’em or not, I’ll print ’em: dontrushmedon@charter.net.