helmets?

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patrick m from santa barbara, ca on 8/22/2012 12:06:13 PM:

I'm from California and will be meeting a friend from Oklahoma to do the KT in late September. I want to make sure I bring the right stuff, so dumb question -- do we need to bring helmets? I wasn't planning on it, but saw this web site and it seemed that they might be required in some counties. Thanks! (I know that helmets are always a good idea, but 225 miles on a dedicate bike path seems kind of "low risk" to me.)
http://www.helmets.org/mandator.htm

ArkyKenny on 8/22/2012 1:23:08 PM:

Helmets are not mandatory, so there are no helmet police. That said, you will probably be riding 10-15mph on surface that is loose on top, and has a lot of transition areas and irregularities. If you're not used to carrying a load (i.e. panniers), that adds yet another dimension to the ride, and your stability.

I wear a helmet because I only have one head. I'd suggest that you do the same and protect your melon.

MidSouth from Rogersville, MO on 8/22/2012 2:21:10 PM:

One of my hardest falls was in my driveway. Now I don't get on my bike without putting on a helmet first.

Trek on 8/22/2012 2:21:13 PM:

Riding without a helmet is not on the California Prop 65 list of causes of cancer or birth defects.

But using one is probably a good idea anyway, even on a dedicated bike path.

Doug from Bluffton on 8/22/2012 3:24:25 PM:

As Trek and others mention, the risk of falling still exists but what is more likely is that you will ride under a limb you didn't see or duck enough for and your scalp cuts easier and bleeds worse than any other part of your body.

sk from st. louis on 8/22/2012 5:32:02 PM:

There was a fairly long patch of loose gravel (between the page/creve coeur park connector and family arena) the other day that bogged down my trike. It may be packed down by now, but I wouldn't have wanted to ride it on two wheels without a helmet.

Anonymous on 8/22/2012 6:46:55 PM:

Yes, wear your helmet. Always.

Laurel from Sedalia, MO on 8/22/2012 9:18:20 PM:

The signage that dots the trail and has the regulations says to always wear a helmet.

Anonymous on 8/22/2012 10:09:30 PM:

Given the number of Scout troops and other relatively inexperienced riders that you're likely to encounter on the KATY in September...I'd wear a helmet. I certainly always do...

Just my 2 cents.

Snoopy from New York City on 8/23/2012 4:31:46 AM:

Brain injuries is a serious business. Always wear helmets just like seat belts.

Snoopy from New York City on 8/23/2012 4:31:46 AM:

Brain injuries is a serious business. Always wear helmets just like seat belts.

mumbler from central Misery on 8/24/2012 11:49:53 PM:

There I was, riding along at a sedate 9 mph or so on the KT.

Then, suddenly! There was a flock. or a herd, or whatever you call a pack of wild turkeys.

I rode between them with a few inches between crank and turkey. I was wearing a helmet, and was glad I did.

Anon on 8/25/2012 9:35:32 AM:

Some of the locals don't wear helmets and they do well with that. Yet they generally do not do lengthy highly tiring rides.

Also, the trail itself does have debis on it and in its corridor. It wouldn't take much to have an unexpected spill. For example, if one crashed from a soft shoulder, a sharp rock or broken sappling stump in the adjacent corridor could penetrate one's skull.

Doesn't hurt to be careful and safe.

kevin from Jeff City on 8/27/2012 1:53:02 PM:

The trail is long and straight and flat, and frequently has a steep drop-off on one side and rocky bluffs on the other. It is not difficult to get distracted and begin to veer close to the edge. Plus, there are tree branches that are at head level; they don't hurt if you have a helmet on.

jr on 8/28/2012 9:54:40 AM:

I rode 3 days last week. On the first day it's so hot I decided to take my helmet off... 15 min later I fell off my bike and learned my lesson - better be safe than sorry...

Alan from Gentry, Arkansas on 9/4/2012 7:36:17 AM:

There are a loy of cracks/crevices in the path. The park service has attempted to keep them filled, but be aware of the light colored gravel that runs parallel with the trail. Most are in the center of the path, but not all. A front wheel caught in a crack and your day may be over.

El Toro on 9/4/2012 9:26:55 AM:

I always wear mine on the KATY (and everywhere else for that matter).

The cracks and other (sometimes unpredictable riders) are my primary reasons.

kevin from Jeff City on 9/4/2012 12:50:06 PM:

another consideration is the trail barriers at most of the crossroads. There are large barricades set up to keep vehicles off the trail, with just enough room between the arms to let a bicycle through. A moment's distraction and you crash into it. Just wear the helmet.

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