Ron and Dorothy Strasser
It is easy to understand that this issue of mandatory helmet use will not be settled by OBRA as we encompass so many personal views. I would suggest that whenever OBRA (the organization) is presented with the opportunity to speak or publish to the public with regard to helmet use that it do so in the following manner.
"We strongly urge all cyclists to wear helmets to help prevent injury in case of accidents." This type of statement, along with the fact that OBRA rules state we must wear a helmet for racing and in fact we are reminded to wear our helmet when just riding about at the race venue could be very supportive of getting people that see or hear the statement to think twice about getting and or wearing a helmet. The prices of helmets have come down to very affordable prices in the recent years, which is very good. But we need to remember there are some very financially strapped members of society that are dealing with basic needs and a helmet (even though many of us understand the safety they provide) is not on their radar. There are many who just do not want to wear one for many different reasons. If OBRA just lets it be known that we support helmet use that might go a long way toward more people putting them on when riding. Now if OBRA could get as much coverage as college or pro football or basketball.... the impact would be larger. So now I have thrown in my nickel (inflation)
ron