let them wear berets!

Photo originally published in the SF Bay Guardian by Matt Reamer

Once again, I'm hearing the helmet/no helmet debate being argued with equal vitriol from both sides because of Steven Jones' Op/Ed piece in the SFBG's Streets Issue that just came out during Bike To Work Week.

Undoubtedly there are great benefits to wearing a helmet. And with pretty|funky|cute|sleek designs from companies such as Nutcase, Bern and Yakkay, the fashion-conscious can now see head protection as a beautiful accessory, and not dork material.



The only two-cents worth that I can offer - the voice of one urban cyclist - is that this seems to largely be an American debate. I only wonder why I rarely hear Europeans discussing whether or not a cyclist is reckless because he/she doesn't wear a helmet.

Coincidentally, I found this charming video last week in the blogosphere - the subject quite à apropos to our current debate. A classic French solution to headgear! À Vélo Citoyens!

Ride Béret Baguette - SNTRCK Edit from SoundTrack on Vimeo.

SFBG helps pave the way

Pick yourself up a copy (or read it online) of the San Francisco Bay Guardian's 42nd anniversary issue that focuses on sustainable cities. Look beyond the beautiful cover art featuring a lovely cyclist and check out the bundle of articles that analyze and redefine the buzzword du jour, sustainability. Of particular interest to us here at Vélo Vogue and our readers is the article "Beyond the Automobile." The author presents some great research, and makes some pointed statements about what a more liveable city will look like, such as, "People will drive less, but will they have dignified alternatives?"

Check it out for yourself, and let us know what you think! And in the meantime, get out on your bike and enjoy this fine Indian Summer weather we're having.

(Illustration by Mona Caron)