Understanding the whole helmet marketing info versus actual research information is very difficult. A Engineer collegue has done a significant amount of research over the years. At one time he was convinced that a hockey helmet was best for biking. After further research he is now wearing a Bern bike helmet. I have a Bern bike helmet and it certainly feels safer than any other bike helmet I have worn. I also have an expensive hockey helmet - I'm old and I can barely skate. My wife has both the Bern bike helmet and a very good hockey helmet. See finds the hockey helmet better for falling suddenly and hitting one's head. Last 4 years ago she fell while biking, on ice, wearing a bike helmet. Well it wasn't on ice but the road had patches of black ice. She sustained a minor concussion from that fall, her helmet fit and you could see where it hit the road but no visible damage. Last year she fell while skating with her hockey helmet on, at a very similar acceleration to the bike suddenly sliding out sideways and your head, being on the long end of the lever, picking up speed rapidly before striking the pavement. That clunk produced a head injury and fear of a concussion but all was okay.
Then just yesterday she fell while skating, in a similar fashion to last year, while wearing her Bern bike helmet. That similar clunk to last year's skating fall, produced a minor concussion. This accident is like the rain drop falling on a leaf in the Amazon - creating a huricane somewhere - like fractal theory. I was to have three days to work hard and possibly visit on of my ATFs in the evening. How I am on call for random meals, etc.
From my limited perspective, I suggest the hockey helmet seems a better solution for accidents involving one's head suddenly striking a hard surface like ice or pavement.
The other thing I can't understand is why bike helmets are not mandatory in the Province? When I moved from B.C. in 1998, I couldn't understand why people were being so reckless. Naturally, I now often forget my helmet while biking and I never wear my hockey helmet for skating unless I am in full gear. Likely not the best approach.
One other thing, what about pedestrians being mowed down by cyclists, what is the best helmet for walking? A neighbor was struck by a cyclist running a red and fractured his skull. Luckily she has some kind of tenure at one of the higher learning institutes so her seemingly spaced outness doesn't seem to be noticed.
Ok, I am now thoroughly confused. I took my little 8 year old niece to buy her a hockey helmet. I asked the store if she could also wear this same helmet for skiing and biking and was told NO. I would have to buy 3 DIFFERENT HELMETS! Isn't a helmet a helmet a helmet
?
