Before I start this commentary on the massive debate on helmets, I just want to say that I find it difficult to see how the cycling internet community will misread and tear each other to pieces over this subject. Some of the most exciting people that I had mad love for made we weep with disappointment because of the way they have handled the topic. I know the internet is a public place for people to share information but I personally don't find it a place to hold a debate of any type. There needs to be a sense of internet etiquette when handling topics as such and well... etiquette isn't what I see being handed on tabloids, forums, blogs, and twitter. I understand people have their personal stories and data to share on the subject but I think the debate of the bicycle helmet is bigger than we think it is.

I found some interesting articles on the helmet debate after I wrote the last post, I won't list any to protect them. Although, I did see unnecessary bashing and name calling, I believe "helmet haters" was a title? There was one that said "wearing a helmet is the responsible adult thing to do, shmh!" I even saw some debates being held on twitter, crazy. I wont mention any names but I wish we all could just sit down in the park, throw back some beers and talk about our problems with the helmet debate and hug-it-out.

For many of us who choose not to wear helmets, we accept that people aren't going to like us, will misunderstand us, and calls us all sorts of names like "HELMET HATERZ!" I accept that but from what I read based on these responses, I find that the concept of not wearing a helmet is too big and hard for people to understand. I know I don't live in a country were bicycle friendliness is a top priority in our planning policies but perhaps not wearing a helmet for one's own sense of comfort is a progressive way of thinking that doesn't measure up when it comes to safety. Yes, it's about your freedom to choose but we just don't live in the same countries or have the same policies to protect cyclists.

I don't think that this debate will end until people start to realize that the energy we spend on worrying about our safety on the road needs to be taken away from the helmet debate and geared towards organizing, writing letters to our city and state demanding laws that protect cyclists on the road, helmet wearing or not. Continuing the debate is like adding more fuel to a fire when it's done online. It does nothing positive for the cycling community. I'm just one of those lucky people to happen live in a city that takes its cycling community very serious when it comes to urban planning and bicycle infrastructure. Going to a meeting every now and then puts things into perspective for me when dealing with so many issues of community and road safety as there is a lot more involved than just wearing a helmet.

I consider myself to be aware of these experiences and I encourage you to inform yourself of your rights as a cyclist and get involved with your community or bike coalition. Many countries have a long way to go towards bike friendliness and it doesn't start at a helmet.

"You're invited to the SF Bicycle Coalition's fun and fabulous Bike from Work Party and Fashion Show!Come by and bring a friend! See models showing off the latest in bicycling style during the bike fashion show styled by Gwendolyn Lee Productions. DJ Cats + Dogs will be spinning the jams, there will be sweet raffle prizes and complimentary bicycle valet. $5 for current SF Bicycle Coalition Members, $10 for non-members or join at the door ($35) & get in free. Food available for purchase."

"The EBBC’s Bike Away From Work Party at 9th and Washington Streets in Old Oakland is expected to be the biggest in the Bay Area, said Rivera. It’ll be jumping with live music, the Cyclecide bicycle rodeo, and an award show for the Bike Commuter of the Year and Bike-Friendly Business Awards for Alameda and Contra Costa Counties."

Recently I had the lovely opportunity to meet Nona Varnado at Push Bike SF for her trunk show featuring gorgeous pieces of women's cycling apparel. Nona is extremely talented and active in her community in New York, collaborating with various bike organizations and shops to provide a community for women who ride bikes. For bike month, Nona had worked hard to provide a ladies program for bike month with bike rides, fun d.i.y. tutorials to help you learn how to fix your bike, movies, and shows to help women fall back in love with their bikes and community. 

Along with bike months activities, she has release a woman's online cycling community called the bird wheel: The Bird Wheel is a group of passionate women cyclists who share a focus on cycling, from building world class custom frames, fashionable cycling apparel, local bike shops, to public policy advocates that make cycling safer for everyone. This is a story of simplicity and passion between two beautiful creatures. These women aim to reach beyond cycle chic and present inspiring stories, useful reviews of female specific products and moments of bike zen to sharing the things you love.

I don't know about many of you ladies but I'm inspired by her activism to bring women cyclist and community together through rides and through a website. I've always wanted to organize a ladies ride but since school rules most of my time I have yet to get on that wheel. Perhaps during summer? 

I'm learning that sometimes you have to take action to make communities happen, you have to reach out and although some people might not reach back, you'll always find others who will. Perhaps what we ladies need to do is start organizing our own events and make some noise with our bike bells in the streets to say that we are here to ride.