Advocates for increasing bicycle use in metropolitan areas resist the notion that helmets are an essential part of the riding ensemble. Meaning, that if we tell people that they must have a helmet (which is a law here in Montgomery County, MD) then that infers that cycling is dangerous.
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| The helmet was broken in four places- exactly what it’s supposed to do |
I have intimate and personal knowledge of the effects of collisions with both concrete and asphalt. This weekend marked the third helmet that was totaled from a crash. One was a top of the line Bell Star, full coverage motorcycle helmet. The point of impact was the back of the helmet, thereby marking the end of my illustrious career as a cross-country motorcycle rider.
Bicycles have considerably less velocity. But, a crash can still kill. Late Saturday afternoon, I was only about 1.5 miles from home when the front tire fell into an unseen groove. In less than a second at ≈20 mph, I was on the ground. The photos tell the rest of the story. Fractured ribs and clavicle will take about 6 to 8 weeks to mend.
I hate to think what might have been the outcome without the Specialized helmet. I don’t know what your protocol is for blunt force trauma, but ice packs are probably the most effect immediate treatment.
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| Another view of one of the major cracks of the Specialized helmet |
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| My son commented that I now look like a cage fighter- or perhaps I went a few rounds with Mike Tyson |
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| The displaced clavicle is pretty evident; hurts the most, but heals the fastest |
3 comments:
Wow Paul!! Glad you wore you're helmet!! Otherwise you might be ranting like Gary Busey! Get well soon!
Glad you're OK. Praying for a speedy recovery!
Those spills can happen so suddenly and it's like slow motion until you hit. I've had a couple but was lucky nothing serious. Biking is still good for the body and environment. Keep it up , be visible and a speedy recovery
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