No helmet @ Palos?

[scottyv32]

Hey all, I ride Palos once or twice a week with a few buddies. Just got back from an early ride this morning, trails were great. Lots of riders and almost everyone called out their approach and faster riders did a good job of calling out their pass. Good times had.

The only thing that bothered me was the amount of people riding with no helmet, I counted close to 20. That was just today, but we've noticed it a lot more this year than previous years. They seemed to fall into two categories. The first category looked like they were familiar with riding but didn't wear a helmet by choice (too hot, etc.). But you could tell that the other category were new/unfamiliar riders (lack of safety equipment, blank stares when calling out your approach, etc) who might not know what they are getting into. I'm just a novice rider, still learning, definitely not an expert. But when I see people in the second category I feel some responsibility to let them know that they should have some basic safety gear to be riding these trails. On one hand I hesitate to say anything because I don't want to come across as condescending. But on the other I'd hate to miss an opportunity and see someone get hurt.

I'm probably not the only one who has noticed. What's the best approach in this situation?

[johnjr75]

Unfortunately there are many knuckleheads who frequent the trails we love. Personally, I will call out a rider that could potentially endanger me or other people, (headphones, disregarding right of way, etc.) when I see it. Lack of safety equipment is another story, since it's their right not to wear it. I wear a helmet on my gas powered cycle as well, but I would never think of asking a rider at a stoplight, "where's your helmet bro?". That's none of my business.

You could however work it into a conversation in the parking lot, after talking to the knuckleheads for a while. You would come off as less rude. It would also give you an opportunity to ask them about their kickstands..

[scottyv32]

Hehe, yea saw a few of those too...

I figure if they know enough to park in the staging area that they should know enough to wear a helmet. And if they don't want to it's up to them.

A lot of the people I saw today honestly looked like they wandered in off the multitrack thinking "ooh I wonder what's down here?"

[ridingillini]

I tell the riders that I see without helmets that "I worry about you riding without a helmet".  That seems to go ok.  I only say that after having some other conversation with them.  They usually ask me where I like to ride or I give them a map first.  Then I mention the helmet part.  I never use it as a conversation starter.

[BULLWYE]

I just tell people that its a poor decision to ride a bike without a helmet given that the trails are bi-directional among other factors (fallen trees, washed out sections, dried ruts, etc). If they choose to scoff at any advice, I will simply remind them that a good portion of the community refers to them as 'donors'.

[Doug R]

Without a doubt I see way too many people on Wal-Mart bikes and no helmets?? Death traps on wheels and stupidity, unfortunately someone will have to get seriously injured to Wake Up these kids and young adults the old timers are smart!! haha. Last year I had buddy come out and ride with me and only two miles in I hear OH SH#$%!! Snap crackle and pop going on in back of me, turn around and my buddy is on the ground with the bike on top of him, his helmet was cracked as he endo into a log.  Needless to say he was pretty shaken up and hasn’t been out riding sense.  I have tried to get him to come back out and he just won’t do it, I feel bad that this one incident has stopped him from riding.  Anyways I know the risk involved in mtb but you have to be smart about it and limit your exposer to injury by wearing the proper equipment (helmet, gloves, protective eyeglasses, mtb shoes not sandals ) and buying a good mountain bike one that didn’t cost $150.00 down at the Wal-Marts. 

[lowlatency]

I hear the same story with Motorcycles for years. But this is one great thing about having freedom. The right to wear or not wear a helmet. Yes I do wear a helmet. But its nice that I have the right to go without if I wanted to ride to a buddies house down the street.

People will learn that Palos is no joke. Riding with gear is pretty important. I will say I am sure there are riders that look at you if you dont wear elbow pads and knee pads..

I will say this. I rode all my childhood without a helmet on my BMX bike's. I am glad I ask my kids to wear one today though. After they are moved out of the house its their own decision to wear one. But by that time I am sure a law will be in place. We have soooo many laws........ ug

[machinetwelve]

Unfortunately it's pretty easy to get a head injury while mountain biking. I tell people they should wear helmets if they look like they are pushing their limits for 2 reasons. 1 - I don't want to have my ride interrupted by having to wait with them for an ambulance due to an injury that could have been avoided. and 2 - trails and features could potentially be removed or closed if enough people are injured and bad press gets out there. so I tell others to wear a helmet for selfish reasons.

[lowlatency]

Unfortunately it's pretty easy to get a head injury while mountain biking. I tell people they should wear helmets if they look like they are pushing their limits for 2 reasons. 1 - I don't want to have my ride interrupted by having to wait with them for an ambulance due to an injury that could have been avoided. and 2 - trails and features could potentially be removed or closed if enough people are injured and bad press gets out there. so I tell others to wear a helmet for selfish reasons.

You do bring good points I must say Specially the 2nd. Last thing I want is to have a closed area because its too dangerous.

[dkardatzke]

Just thought I would share that I've ridden Palos well over a hundred times and have only had one major crash (broken wrist) and then yesterday got caught off guard at a tree root I know was there and flew over the handlebars...slammed my head into a tree limb and landed in some brush so a helmet is always a good idea!  In lots of pain today...and yes I had a helmet on!

[TrailJumper]

I just casually mention that they should wear a helmet, or tap on my helmet and say, "helmets guys". Save the long speech. They get the idea.

I assume most of those people are newbies and just haven't caught on to it yet.

If I see kids being bad asses out in the woods, and riding hard. I stop, chat it up for a bit. And work in that, "all the good MTB'ers wear helmets. You can tell they are newbs if they aren't wearing a helmet. You don't want to be that guy. You see any bad ass rider out here, they wear helmets for sure. Helmet-less riders, means you're not taking risks, and suck at MTB'ing". Stuff like that.

Although I can't help notice the scene in events like dirt jumpers and snowboard rail contests or jump/trick contests. Even on ESPN and stuff. They don't wear helmets. Almost like it was acceptable for those types to not wear a helmet. Those dirt jumping kids are the only ones I see on trails that don't wear helmets, and know it. So I bite my tongue. Their decision/risk.

signed, OSHA 30 certified rider.

[Lou15g]

Just thought I would share that I've ridden Palos well over a hundred times and have only had one major crash (broken wrist) and then yesterday got caught off guard at a tree root I know was there and flew over the handlebars...slammed my head into a tree limb and landed in some brush so a helmet is always a good idea!  In lots of pain today...and yes I had a helmet on!

Same incident for me last week, top of head into a trunk and DENTED my helmet and I'm thankful it's not my skull. So this helmet will end up on the wall cause it served me already.

[machinetwelve]

My helmet has saved me from countless collisions with my hatchback on my honda element as well.

[SoulCycleRider2]

My helmet has saved me from countless collisions with my hatchback on my honda element as well.

Ha!  Funny you should mention that.......I just dented my helmet with the bike rack while closing my trunk.  I sure am glad it wasn't my forehead - that would be an embarrassing one to explain.....although I would probably just say "mountain biking accident"

On a side note, I came across a pack of helmetless wal-mart riders yesterday.  I understand the idea of being on a budget when buying a bike, but as many others have stated - it's a safety issue.  Using $100 bike to ride to the store and back is one thing, but to be out on the trails is a little negligent.  Especially without a helmet.

[BMX Crisis]

I hear the same story with Motorcycles for years. But this is one great thing about having freedom. The right to wear or not wear a helmet. Yes I do wear a helmet. But its nice that I have the right to go without if I wanted to ride to a buddies house down the street.

I will say this. I rode all my childhood without a helmet on my BMX bike's. I am glad I ask my kids to wear one today though. After they are moved out of the house its their own decision to wear one. But by that time I am sure a law will be in place. We have soooo many laws........ ug

Same with me and my motorcycle. BMX bike also.
At SWK, helmets are required (but unenforced) according to the kiosk rules. Most without helmets are new or to cool. Sometimes they are lost, I'll give them a tour to the parking lot. Give them directions to Walmart and let them know that of $25.00 They are much safer and that all helmets meet a minimum requirement. Some are more comfortable than others and better vented. Same safety rating.