Risk increases for students without helmets

CU students who don't wear helmets are at a much greater risk for accidents. Anywhere from 45 to 88 percent of brain injuries can be prevented by wearing a helmet.

University of Colorado students spend a lot time and of money on their
education, which they risk losing every time they ride their bikes without
helmets. According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, non-helmeted riders
are 14 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident. Anywhere from 45 to
88 percent of brain injuries can be prevented with helmets. Even with these
statistics, the average CU student is not wearing his or her helmet on campus.

"It's really rare to see someone wearing a helmet," said Ryan Schnirel, a CU bike
station staff member. "You go to class, you don't think about putting one on.
You run to the store, little trips, but that's what makes all the difference."
Many students are also worried about messing up their appearance. "You don't
really look cool when you're wearing a helmet," said Eric Robbins who
volunteers at the bike station.

Helmet safety, however, is on the minds of students across campus after a 39-
year-old man was killed on his moped yesterday at the intersection of Broadway
and Baseline. He was not wearing a helmet, although it has not been determined that this was the cause of his death.

Approximately 1000 people die in bike-related crashes every year, according to
the Center for Disease Control.

"[Not wearing a helmet] is like not wearing a seat belt in a car," said Schnirel.
Wearing a helmet may not be popular, but it is smart.