Helmets critical for cyclists

Focus on bike safety

Regarding “Houston is all about bicycles” (Renew, Thursday): Your article on encouraging bike riding seemed aimed more at publicizing BikeHouston and Houston BCycle’s business than in helping to keep riders safe. There was only one mention of helmets in the article. Saying that they are “always encouraged” does not mention the kind of injuries that helmets can prevent.

I still have a photo of the helmet I was wearing when I slipped in a puddle three blocks from my house and my head hit concrete. The big crack is right over a major artery in the brain. Since then I not only wear a helmet every time I ride, I hand out helmets to people I see riding without them.