I hear it a lot when the weather is nice: “Great day for a ride!”
I hear it because, as I have said before, I often wear my helmet like a hat when I do things such as grocery shopping. It’s just easier to leave it on my head, and it opens the door to one-on-one advocacy.
My standard answer is: “Everyday!”
I shopped this morning, and a fellow spoke exactly those words to me.
A drawback to wearing my helmet while walking around is that it reminds people that they are not riding to that particular destination at that particular time. If I encounter someone I know, I sometimes get the same kind of reaction when people learn I have a Ph.D. in English (rhetoric). They quickly mumble something about having to watch their grammar. And I tell them not to bother because I won’t be. So, if I catch you out in public without your bicycle, remember: It’s not all or nothing.
I have that same attitude about wearing my helmet. Last night my wife and I went to eat at the home of friends. They live less than one mile from us — an easy ride along quiet, residential streets. The evening was warm and humid. And, frankly, I just didn’t feel like wearing it.
Sometimes I don’t wear it. I do not fear my bicycle or the road. And I know that even without that helmet I am more likely to be killed in a car rather than by a car while riding my bicycle.
Comments 2
It’s curious. I agree with your for the most part about these kinds of interactions.
But, perhaps people are just trying to be nice (with the bike thing) and the helmet becomes a symbol or something easy to latch on to, to guide them through the discomfort of social situations…?
Posted 22 Jun 2009 at 2:03 pm ¶Alex… Yes. I wrote about this before. The helmet give them permission to speak in a way — something to remark on.
Posted 22 Jun 2009 at 2:59 pm ¶