I have held out on buying a helmet for bike riding because I thought that all helmets were the void of style despite the fact that I acknowledged that safety should be number one. I realize that safety is crucial for anyone that respects and values their life however, I could not bring myself to buy one of those alien helmets that they offer adults to buy for their favorite past time.
After a little research and some crazy stories, I have decided to purchase a helmet. Here are the statistics that I have found…
1. 716 bicyclists died on US roads in 2008 (698 in 2007, 1,003 in 1975) they had it coming to them.
2. Bicyclist deaths represented 2 per cent of all 2008 traffic fatalities. seems to be so minimal
3. One-seventh of the cyclists killed were between 5 and 15 years old. not me.
4. Average age of a bicyclist injured on US roads: 31
Now let me stop here at this particular statistic. This one has hit home even more so because despite my sensitivity having hit thirty. I realized that despite how disgusting thirty sounds to me, not reaching thirty one sounds that much more horrific.
5. Alcohol involvement was reported in 37% of 2008 deaths. well now, here is a problem. Alcohol is included in my daily ritual atleast 37% or more. Okay more than that…but probably only 37% of my life! But after all, I am a self loathing wierdo.
6. Nearly one fourth (23%) of the cyclists killed were drunk. (BAC over .08 g.dl) uh oh.
7. Fatal crashes typically were urban (69%) and at intersections (64%). I live in a city! Now I know that my cats have been plotting to knock me off and that was always how I expected to go. However, now these statistics show a possibility of a new fate. I can not even count how many intersections that I have crossed and surely, with every passing intersection is a close pass on a possible fatal crash.
So here I am, watching the TODAY show on NBC airing a segment on national ride your bike to work month and what gear you need to have. What do I see but a bike helmet with the appearance of a watermelon made by the brand NUTCASE. If this wasn’t a sign from the gods, I do not know what would be! Sleepy eyed, coffee in hand, I immediately run to my computer like a good little consumer to research this new snippet of information.
Here is what I find…
Star Bright
Blackdana
Got Luck?
Pixie Stix
So, I realize that this is my destiny. I must purchase one of these crazy helmets from this fine establishment. The prices were very reasonable at $50.00 for an adult helmet and a bit less for the child’s version. Although I was extraordinarily excited about these great graphics and the great prices offered by Nutcase, I was not equally excited about the shipping fee of $18.00 for standard shipping via UPS. With a little google power, I was able to find that REI carries this fine line of helmets. I gave my local REI store a call and they were happy to tell me what graphics and sizes that they carried and what they had in stock. REI also has a website with cheaper shipping and offer the helmets at the same prices. In addition, if you are blessed enough to have one within driving distance, the website offers free shipping to one of the store sites, for free pickup. In addition, if you are an REI member, there is temporarily free shipping to your house orders over $75.00 for REI members. By the way, REI-great customer service! I was very happy with my visit to the store, leaving with helmet in hand!
Needless to say that I am enamored by my new helmet. I am so enamored, that I am wearing it now while I sit at my computer. (I chose the star bright for a little whimsy)
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I wish I could see you writing with your helmet on!!! Try it at work ,I bet no one bothers you!!!
I went to my local REI to see their helmet selections. They had one watermelon left in my size, so I got it AND a star bright. I think I might have to wear them around the house, considering the number of times that my cats have tripped me. (I, too, have always thought that I would die in a cat-related accident in my home.)
You laugh now, but wait until I tell you about my friend & former tattoo artist, David Brown. The three things David love most in life were tattoos, cats, and bicycle riding. David also loved to share morbid stories with anyone who would listen. One day David got to write his own morbid story, but wasn’t able to share it with anyone.
David was out riding his bike without a helmet (How fast can a cat run?) when a cat ran into his path and actually manage to insert itself amongst the spokes and front forks bringing the bike to an immediate and complete stop sending David over the handlebars, headfirst onto the street.
David died immediately, killed by a house cat while riding a bicycle. I, appropriately, have a tattoo on my chest of a tiger that David put there in the mid-nineties shortly before his death.