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Manuel Neuer saves the most impossible shots in goal. His reflexes are world-class, his body control legendary. But on a bike, different rules apply. A moment’s inattention, a patch of wet tarmac, a pothole – and even the best athlete can end up taking a nasty tumble.
The difference: Neuer wears gloves in goal. He should be wearing a helmet on his bike. Just like his team-mate Jonas Urbig in the photo above. The two players from the German national football team did ride their bikes in an exemplary manner to their final training session ahead of their first World Cup match against Curaçao. Unfortunately, they weren’t wearing helmets.
Editorial assessment
Even goalkeeping legend Manuel Neuer, who reflexively saves shots from the corners of the net, can fall off his bike. Modern bikes can reach speeds at which even professional cyclists can lose control. Cycling helmets provide reliable protection for the head and are now lightweight, well-ventilated and available across all price ranges. Anyone who cycles without a helmet risks serious head injuries and sets a bad example for young cyclists.
Why wear a helmet? Speed meets reality
Modern bikes are faster than ever before. Thanks to high-tech features. Greater aerodynamics combined with greater comfort – today’s road bikes fly down slopes that, back in the 90s, would have shaken the fillings out of the teeth of riders on narrow-tyred road bikes or caused them to suffer countless punctures. And doesn’t the descent down a mountain pass feel faster with hydraulic disc brakes than with rim brakes?
Technological advances, better roads, but perhaps also an increasingly packed schedule – all these factors encourage people to drive faster. But the laws of physics are unforgiving: the faster you go, the harder the impact. On the roads, the failure of others is an additional problem – through no fault of your own. Just popping round to the bakery on the corner? That’s precisely when you should be wearing a helmet – a case of carelessness.
A helmet complying with DIN 1078 protects every head
Modern cycling helmets comply with the DIN 1078 safety standard and offer reliable protection. Even budget models provide adequate head protection, provided they are worn correctly. More expensive models are more comfortable to wear and offer better ventilation. The days of heavy, poorly ventilated helmets are over. Today, there’s a style to suit every taste, from understated to eye-catching.
A helmet is as much a part of cycling as tyres, handlebars and brakes. Anyone who cycles without one not only risks serious injury, but also sets a bad example for younger cyclists. So, dear Manuel Neuer: put your helmet on when you’re cycling, even if you don’t need one in goal!
Or, better still, why not just do it like Kai Pflaume. The TV presenter says: “For me, it’s about protecting my ability to work”, and also wears an airbag rucksack.
Our colleague Max Fuchs from the mountain bike editorial team at BIKE has already tried it out for himself – though, for demonstration purposes and much to his obvious surprise, he used the remote ignition. ;-)
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What do you think – about celebrities setting a good example, about helmets, about airbags? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Sebastian Brust
Editor
