Hardheaded Adults Need Bike Helmets

Your article Dec. 29 concerning bicycle helmets was very discouraging in regard to the enforcement of the helmet law for young riders. Even worse, of course, is the lack of courage on the part of our legislators in failing to have the law cover all ages instead of just the nonvoters.

Speaking as a rider who has been hit twice (both were pickup trucks, both were at fault and one was a hit-and-run), I know the importance of a helmet--both times my helmet struck the pavement.

Perhaps even more important than the lack of law enforcement is the false sense of safety a young rider may have when wearing an improperly fitted helmet. I can assure you the helmet that C.J. Smart is shown wearing in your photograph is of little use to him. It would be dislodged on the first impact, and he would suffer head injuries from the second impact. His helmet should be adjusted to fit snugly--it should not be easily moved on his head.

If one wants further proof of the effectiveness of helmets, I refer them to Peter King’s Jan. 14 column. Motorcycle fatalities were reduced from 523 to 327 in the first year of the motorcycle helmet law; hospital charges related to motorcycle accidents were reduced from $145 million in 1991 to $93 million in 1993.

I certainly hope lawmakers don’t take leave of their senses and repeal this bill. If they do, the taxpayer will end up footing more hospital bills for the idiots who want the freedom to ride without helmets.

KERMIT HEID

Moorpark