No helmets for European cyclists

[roadie7]

We spent two weeks on a river cruise down the Rhine from Basal, Switzerland to Amsterdam and then by bus through Brussels and finished in Paris. In total we visited about 6-7 cities. I was particularly amazed at the swam of bicycles in Amsterdam; something you won't see in the US. However, I was shocked that, among the thousands of cyclists in Amsterdam, no one wore a helmet. I saw a few more helmeted cyclists in Paris but not even close to the number of Americans who wear a helmet.

I was wondering why so few cyclists in Europe. What do you think?

[Cicli]

Originally Posted by roadie7

We spent two weeks on a river cruise down the Rhine from Basal, Switzerland to Amsterdam and then by bus through Brussels and finished in Paris. In total we visited about 6-7 cities. I was particularly amazed at the swam of bicycles in Amsterdam; something you won't see in the US. However, I was shocked that, among the thousands of cyclists in Amsterdam, no one wore a helmet. I saw a few more helmeted cyclists in Paris but not even close to the number of Americans who wear a helmet.

I was wondering why so few cyclists in Europe. What do you think?

I did not know I was euro.

[marciero]

Oh boy another helmet thread!

Off the top of my head-

There is no culture of fear and danger around cycling, particularly in places like Amsterdam, like has been created in the US.

When many people are cycling, it is safer for all.

[AngryScientist]

are you talking sporting cyclists on road bikes, or people cycling within the city?

[Dr Luxurious]

Elsewhere in the world they have a thing called personal responsibility and they generally do not allow frivolous lawsuits.

[Cicli]

Originally Posted by Dr Luxurious

Elsewhere in the world they have a thing called personal responsibility and they generally do not allow frivolous lawsuits.

Exactly.

[ultraman6970]

Why they do not use helmet??? Well just to start they had been riding in the streets since they are 6 y/o and the common sense and handling skills as a rider and as a driver are a lot more developed than what you can find in the US.

The other problem is that and I want to generalize a little bit here but is not with bad intention. In the US if something is not in a manual or in a book then is out of the question even if its just plain common sense. Thats the reason at least in some areas like here for example you dont see people riding in groups but in conglomerates. eg: went out with a guy that bought a set of wheels from me, he said he had riding for the last 25 years... after the 1st light I noticed that he did not know how to ride in the street at all, you go figure...

Add those details and you have two different worlds, one where you can ride behind a pro team in training and even talk to them versus.. "why are you riding behind me?"

[Big Dan]

Don't worry about what other people do.

[bikinchris]

The Dutch and Danes do not consider themselves bicyclists per se. They ride bikes because it makes the most sense. They just get on the bike and get where they are going. They don't even think of wearing a helmet. Not many are racers or ride club rides. Something comparable to the percentage of the US does that.
It's kind of like asking Americans if they are "car People" meaning if they work on their own car and do things like hop it up or customize it.

[thwart]

Originally Posted by bikinchris

The Dutch and Danes do not consider themselves bicyclists per se. They ride bikes because it makes the most sense. They just get on the bike and get where they are going. They don't even think of wearing a helmet. Not many are racers or ride club rides.

This.

Originally Posted by marciero

When many people are cycling, it is safer for all.

And this.

Originally Posted by Dr Luxurious

Elsewhere in the world they have a thing called personal responsibility and they generally do not allow frivolous lawsuits.

This, not so much.

When you see european 'cyclists' out in more rural areas... riding racing bikes... they're wearing helmets.

[Mr. Pink]

I kinda wished I was wearing a helmet as a pedestrian in Amsterdam when I was there. Jeez, don't let your guard down, tourists.

[PepeM]

Originally Posted by Dr Luxurious

Elsewhere in the world they have a thing called personal responsibility and they generally do not allow frivolous lawsuits.

Here mate:

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crim...89556?mode=amp

[PepeM]

As others have said, where the infrastructure is appropriate and the use of the bicycle as transportation widespread, helmets are not that common. Similar to how people in America wouldn't wear a helmet when walking to the shop. Little to do with 'personal responsibility,' which is more of a conservative/libertarian/neoliberal ideal, of which there is a bit less in Europe than in America.

[Dr Luxurious]

crap. the pestilence is spreading.

Originally Posted by PepeM

Here mate:

https://www.irishtimes.com/news/crim...89556?mode=amp

[Steve in SLO]

Riding in rural France a couple of years ago, my friend and I were immediately pegged as American because we wore helmets.