School Board’s Bike Helmet Policy Deserves Praise

Dana Parsons was way off base in his column. My (outlook) took a definite turn for the worse when I read that he opposed bicycle helmets for elementary kids in the Irvine Unified School District.

Before he comes up with his cavalier criticism of a very sensible school board action, I think he should cite a few facts: How many kids were injured last year cycling while not wearing helmets? How many days did the district have to provide teachers for these injured students? Just to come out with a flat “No” on this subject is not realistic.

He ought to realize that parents can’t get their kids to do anything. Years ago when kids grew their hair down to their knees, a little pressure from the schools might have helped keep it to the shoulders.

JOHN G. WATKINS, San Juan Capistrano