Now and then

While preparing for my after work ride today I was thinking about how my riding stuff was mostly evolved versions of the same riding stuff that I used back in the '60s. One item that I never used back then, that I now never ride without is a helmet.
Back then helmet suitable for cycling just did not exist. The closest thing to a "helmet" for cycling was know as a leather hairnet. They offered limited, if any, impact protection. Today there is no good reason to ride without a helmet. They are light, comfortable, and the ventilation has advanced to the point were your head will be cooler with a helmet that without one. If you get run over by a bus, a helmet probably won't be much help. Fortunately not many cyclist get run over by buses, but most will have one of those low speed crashes. It may be from getting a wheel caught in a pavement crack, a patch of gravel, or, the ever popular - getting your shoe caught on the pedal when coming to a stop. The point is, it is easy to fall and hit your head. A helmet can prevent head injuries. We are learning more and more on the long term damage that can be caused by even minor head injuries.