Over the years I have be involved with different groups of motorcyclists and yes some were what you might call "bikers." The explanations I've heard about why they don't wear helmets are usually flawed and don't deal with some fundamental truths.

Let's take a look at what you are stating by not wearing a helmet. Whether you are saying it out loud, or even acknowledging, you are still making these claims. 

Regardless of how you think you are going to ride, you don't really know what is going to happen. You are assuming that your actions are all that matters in this equation. What about the other 50 or more people you will be passing during your ride? Do you know what they are going to do? The Hurt Study shows us that many times the accident is not our fault. You must always be prepared

Think of it this way. Let's say you are going to go riding and you know you are going to have an accident. You know it as a fact. Sure, your first choice would be to not ride. But, if you still had to ride, wouldn't you want to have all of the best protective gear on when it happened?

We know protective gear does reduce injury. Sure, it doesn't eliminate it, but it does help.

Peer pressure doesn't end because we are not 16 years old. We all know how stupid peer pressure is, however, it is hard to avoid. As I have mentioned in other articles, YOU pay the price, not them. They don't pay your bills or feel your pain. If something happens you may be the one that pays ultimate price. Not them.

This one falls in with you saying that it messes your hair up or helmets are too hot. Look at the potential trade off and then put a hat on to cover your hot sweaty messed up hair when you get there alive and well.

It is all I can do to not laugh when I hear this one. For one, I am living, walking, breathing proof that they do. My children have a father, my wife has her husband, my sisters have their brother, my nieces and nephews have their Uncle and my mother has her son because of a very simple act. I put on my helmet. Your decision will effect many people other than you.

If you look at any well done study it will show you that any DOT approved helmet does a better job than your head.

This one does tread on a philosophically slippery slope. Is it your right to put yourself at a higher risk? For many members of the public, riding a motorcycle is perceived to be TOO much of a risk. I know I have paid a higher price for some insurance coverages just because I rode a motorcycle and I didn't like that.

We know from more than one study that if you are in a motorcycle accident, and you are not wearing a helmet, your injuries will be greater, you will spend more time and money recovering. (if you're still around to recover) Where does this money come from? It comes from a pool of money paid in by a group of people. Sure, I don't want other people telling me too many things I have to do. But when a very simple step can produce such a significant result, it seem like the right, responsible and reasonable thing to do.

Me, Kenny Roberts, Eddie Lawson, Mick Doohan, Jay Springsteen, Freddie Spencer, Colin Edwards, Troy Bayliss, all of the Hayden Brothers and so on.

They are all professionals and yet, they all have fallen and hit their heads. You may think that is because they are professional riders and therefore at a greater risk. Yes, professional motorsports are a higher risk job than being an accountant. However, most professional riders have clauses in their contracts that limit or eliminate their freedom to ride a bike on public roads.

The Hurt Study shows us that the risks on the street are numerous, varied and always there.

1. Operating a motor vehicle is a privilege. Yes, a privilege. That specific term is often used when a person has their license suspended or revoked. Yes, it is your "right" to pursue the privilege of driving (or riding) but it is a privilege to hold the license. As a result of this you are agreeing to do certain things like; insure the vehicle, operate it while obeying laws and regulations etc.... 

2. Nothing says you have to ride a motorcycle. I agree that we need to be on the lookout for laws and regulations that or bad. However, the nature of our society dictates that we have some reasonable rules in place to protect us from others. Being asked to wear a helmet does not sound like some stepping stone law take that will take us down the path of totalitarian domination by some evil government.

Keep it simple: Put your helmet on, along with your other protective gear. Then go for a ride and come home safely every time and prove me wrong about needing a helmet. It's times like that I'm glad to be wrong.

Article by: Tom Burklow