It was a beautiful day in the 'hood and families were out in
force, riding their bikes. While I love seeing families doing things like that
together, I have to resist the urge to yell at (usually) the fathers,
"Hey, doofus, making your kid wear a helmet while your hair blows in
breeze (or scalp smiles at the sun) is a terrible message to send during family
time." Your head won't really be much less vulnerable to the pavement than
your child's, but, more importantly, your example is telling your young one that
wearing a helmet isn't really necessary. I hope you won't be surprised, some years down the (metaphorical and literal) road, to see
your kid pedaling down the street with a helmet hanging on the handlebars. Do
these same people make sure their children are buckled up and strapped down in
the car but refuse to wear seat belts themselves? Sorry, I just don't get it.
As long as I'm being cranky about cyclists, I have no problem
sharing the road, I admire those who use bicycles for transportation as well as
recreation. A few years ago, during the summer and the kids were out, I cycled
to work because it didn't matter that I showed up dripping. I enjoyed riding by
the Clydesdales and being greeted by other trail users with friendly waves and
"Hello's" -- it sure beat the honking and finger gestures on the
roadways and didn't significantly lengthen my commute. Of course, I didn't
really do it often enough to justify the cost of the bike, but at least often
enough so that the purchase wasn't a complete waste of money.
But here's the point (finally, you might say).
While I expected people to watch out for me when the trail ended and I was on
the road, I also followed traffic laws! I stopped at stop signs and red lights,
obeyed speed limits (not really a tough task for my physical condition, or lack
thereof), signaled turns, kept to the right and was as respectful of cars and
trucks as I hoped they would be of me (at least in part because they were lots
bigger and I would be the loser in any confrontation). I also wore a helmet. I am occasionally amazed
and frequently irked by the spandexed speeders who seem to think that traffic
regulations are only for their motorized brethren.
I will admit, however, that almost all of them
are, at least, wearing helmets.