Miata Mailing List: January 1994, Message #170
sponsored by



     


   From: "Michael Simmons" 
Subject: Re: Helmets
   Date: Fri, 21 Jan 1994 03:20:43 -0500

George Emery writes:
>
> After watching a film about bicycle racing (mostly about bicycle racing
> accidents), I'd say that bicycle helmets WOULD NOT be effective in
> autocross.
>
> Bicycle helmets are designed to break apart on the first impact in order
> to dissipate the energy.  Secondary impacts, in bicycle racing, are at
> lower velocity and thus of less concern.  An automobile impact/rollover
> will produce multiple impacts at velocities as high as the first.

I didn't take the suggestion that bicycle helmets would be sufficient
in autocross seriously, so I didn't respond before, but just in case
anyone out there is considering using a bicycle helmet for any kind of
motor sport:

George is absoluely correct.  I have been a serious cyclist for 17 years
(100 to 200 miles per week) and have seen helmets evolve from crude ones
to the very light and airy helmets we have today.  I have also had
occasion to personally test a couple of them, unfortunately.  They are
very good at protecting your head at the speeds expected on a bike,
with forces in the direction you would expect from a bike accident,
and without the mass of a car throwing you into things, but they would
be entirely inadequate in motor sports.  I would never wear my auto
helmet while riding a bike, but I wouldn't wear the bike helmet when
autocrossing either, even if I had the choice.

Mike Simmons