…sub-30 mph), I planted firmly on my side, impacting my shoulder, hip and my head. All of those points took severe force, obliterating my helmet (and shattering my clavicle, rupturing various shoulder ligaments). Had I not been wearing the helmet (which is required by Cascade for all STP participants), I’d be dead.

With all of the wrecks everyday riders encounter, I have no doubts that people are surviving them with little or no head trauma or TBI. As an orthopedic surgeon how many cyclists keep them in business. You’d be astounded at the sheer numbers of riders they fix each week.

I love the feeling of the breeze through my hair. To ride and have no encumbrances on my head and under my chin would be nice…but not nice enough to forgo the protection.

During the 2012 STP, I was the victim of an inexperienced rider’s poor judgement in a pace line. I suffered his consequences and went down hard (su

Let me just say that in college I rode my bike to the store. As I was cutting across a parking lot I hit a cable that separated the parking lot from the sidewalk. Didn’t notice that one! Sure wish I had my helmet on that day. People wouldn’t have been calling me “scar-face” for a couple weeks….

I’d encourage everyone who wants a better cycling community to become involved in the advocacy and education programs of the Cascade Bicycle Club. Bicycle helmet sales and encouragement are just one of the many things that are done by the Cascade Volunteers and Staff every day. My hats off to everyone who is involved. I’m honored to be recognized for what I have done.

We’re honored and grateful that dedicated people like John are willing to set volunteer time aside in their lives to help in all aspects of our work, whether that’s leading rides, teaching kids, testifying for projects and funding, writing letters, coordinating events or doing data entry.

Please feel free to nominate someone for Cyclist of the Month whom you’d like to see recognized.

As a side note, I went over the handlebars on what would have been an otherwise inconsequential ride. Landed hard on my forehead. I was on a quiet street and not riding fast. No cars around. I’m not quite sure what happened, but I’m glad I was wearing a helmet, and so is my family. For me, it’s no big deal — nor is it a statement or an attempt to avoid a fine — to wear a helmet. Sh*t happens. YMMV.

1. you’re comparing apples and oranges; the infrastructure in the Netherlands and Europe is generally light-years ahead of and better than the United States. and, don’t bring up the unsupported argument that “people who wear helmets are lulled into an false sense of security and ride less safely – tain’t so.

2. bottom line: helmets save lives and more serious head injuries — mine saved me when i had to make an emergency stop to avoid being “right hooked” and, before i could get my foot down, i did a slow motion “Laugh In” fall to the right; my shoulder impacted the road but my head impacted the elevated curbing; result was one damaged helmet but one intact skull; there’s no question in my mind that had i not been wearing a helmet my skull would have been crushed like an egg.

3. i support your decision to not wear a helmet – it’s your head – as long as you don’t expect me to pay for injuries that you sustain from not wearing one.

I would appreciate it if Cascade would stop broadcasting this falsehood. If you’re racing or riding on a 5 lane arterial in mixed traffic yeah you should be wearing a helmet, but if I’m riding to the park or grocery store I shouldn’t have to wear a helmet to be “safe”.

As a Cascade member I understand the historical precedence of the pro-helmet position but I think promoting this discussion is counter productive to focusing on real safety improvements. Lets focus on safe cycling habits and infrastructure, not pretend helmets are the end all and be all.

You don’t perhaps think that “98%” of those riding are perhaps concerned that SPD is going to write up a fine for $100 for not wearing a helmet do you? Helmets only give the illusion that somehow you’re much better protected than someone who is not wearing a helmet. It’s strange that in countries such as the Netherlands practically _no one_ wears a helmet and their safety record with injuries and fatalities is much lower than it is in jurisdictions that have mandatory helmet laws.