Who Needs Headgear?

We are entering into a new season. Another summer is on the way.

People, especially in the midwest, are coming out of their homes. It's been a long, cold, snowy and tiring winter, and we are ready to "spring" into action.

That means bikes will be hitting the road and that begs the question...Who Needs Headgear?

I grew up through the 60's and 70's. I rode my bike like a bat out of ####! I'd race up and down the street, hit turns at almost perpendicular angles and spin out into a wheelie with reckless abandon. I'd even race doing wheelies to see how long I could hold it. What injuries did I incur...cuts, scrapes, scratches and bruises. All minor. There was also the occasional twisted, strained or sprained joints. All of which healed quickly.

My friends and I rode up and down hills, through city alleyways paved in asphalt and concrete, and not one of us wore any gear. At least none that was "protective".

No helmets, knee pads, wrist pads - NOTHING! We rode "bareback" and did it with pride.

Those of us that didn't ride bikes, rode skateboards (homemade for the most part), and roller skates - the old fashioned kind with keys.

Still no gear!

Sometimes I would switch up and ride a skateboard while holding onto the back of a bike. Or I'd roller skate, on concrete, and would try to do the stunts I saw the older, "cooler" kids do at skate parties. Or we'd pretend we were trying out for The Roller Derby and would slam each other around.

And nobody wore any gear.

So what am I saying?

Why is it now they want to all but legislate everyone wear all this stuff? Many of them that are pushing bills through, talking about wear this stuff did not do so when they were young., and none of them look worse for the wear.

Now I realize there are extreme sports participants. These people need protective gear. What they do is dangerous and puts them in a direct path for danger and destruction and veritable physical harm. Riding high speed dirt bikes, snowboards down high slopes and other sports of this nature are the sports headgear is necessary.

But everyday biking, skating --- NAH!!!

Let kids be kids. They will ride. They will fall. They will get bumps and bruises.

If parents would spend more time with their children instead of spending money on them, then they could teach them how to ride and interact safely. They would not have to rely on science, manufacturers, and safety guidelines as stated by government politicos to do so.

I am a 46 year old female. I have suffered sprains and strains. I have even broken a few bones. But guess what? I lived through it all!

In a time where children are being killed indiscriminately on our streets, we need to be looking for a way to stop the bloodshed and not worry so much about wearing headgear.

Go, ride your bike without it. Be a kid and have some fun!