Many arguments have been made about the pros and cons of bike helmets. The Safety issue is clear. If worn properly, a bike helmet can minimize your chance of sustaining a head injury in a crash. Those who oppose mandatory helmets for adults argue it will cut down on ridership and the ultimate benefits to the rider and the environment.
Here are some recent facts to help you form your own opinion.
Each year approximately 2,000 New Yorkers are hospitalized for bicycle related injuries and of those 38% involve a brain injury. Head injuries are the leading cause of death and permanent disability in bicycle crashes. Head injuries account for more than 60% of bicycle-related deaths and more than two-thirds of bicycle-related hospital admissions. Studies in the U.S. and around the world have shown that bike riders wearing helmets are significantly less likely to suffer a brain injury than those that do not wear them.