what to tell a friend who doesn't wear a bicycle helmet

when i got home today, i found out that since 1932 44 thousand bicyclists have died in fatal accidents in the united states. that's such a nice round figure, it would be awkward if the figure were 44,001.

bicycle helmets are 85 to 88 percent effective in preventing brain injuries during bicycle accidents. bicycle accidents happen for a host of different reasons, including dogs that run after and dart in front of bicyclists.

i know you'd much prefer brain injury to the slight discomfort of wearing a helmet. each of us need to choose our priorities, though. when you're done preferring brain injuries, thanks for putting on a helmet.

don't do it for yourself. do it for your students. you'd be cheating them if you didn't.