I am a member of the CTC and I generally admire them and what they do. However, I have never quite understood their stance on cycle helmet wearing.
As an ex motorcyclist, helmet waring is ‘second nature’ to me. A given: if you like a, ‘no-brainer’. It’s one of those items covered by the maxim: “Before you take the risk, think of the risk you take.” Or as I heard once from an A&E doctor on the TV: “Helmet wearing is the difference between my prescribing an asprin or arranging for speech therapy.” I did not need much convincing beyond this. That said, a good mate, also a cyclist, never wears a helmet on his daily commute. I imagine he does while out on the road. I have never asked him why he makes the difference – in town and on the open road. Speed perhaps? Or just circumstances? Or vanity? Or convenience? For sure, it’s his choice.
As I say, I am beyond the decision point: helmet wearing is just a habit for me now, and its one of my less bad habits I feel. It appears James Cracknell agrees:
He has more reason to think it important than most.
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