The mantra is “Bicycle helmets save lives.” Use it, believe it, repeat it. I applaud those who do. It was the subject of a letter to the editor in this paper on Wednesday. Everywhere in Northampton people were talking about helmets. Many had read the letter and all knew about the boys who weren't wearing them. The law here in Massachusetts states that children must wear helmets while riding bicycles. It reiterates uncommonly good sense, doesn’t it? Since kids have a tendency to fall as they learn to ride, one would think so. Even experienced cyclists can take a tumble or get a stick stuck in their front wheel or hit a pothole and go over the handlebars. A helmet might even make a difference if, heaven forbid, you get hit by a car when you’re out riding.
But, for the sake of all those who ride, including the two boys who were struck by motorists, please let us elevate the conversation from only focusing on the helmets to focusing on what goes on in our heads. Changing the radio station at the right time. Talking on a cell phone at the right time. Texting at the right time. Glancing over our shoulders to look for a cyclist before we make a right turn. Taking our time. All these things probably do a much better job of saving lives and preventing serious injuries than any number of helmeted riders.
The next time you drive, drive more carefully than you ever have before and be sure to wear your seatbelt. The next time you ride a bike, wear a helmet and ride more responsibly than ever before. The best way to prevent more needless tragedies involving bikes and cars might very well be parking our cars every once in awhile and riding our bikes more often. Maybe the mantra should be "Riding a bike more often will save lives."
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