Actually, practically NO professional skateboarders wear helmets. Sure, if it's Danny Way jumping the Great Wall of China, he's got a helmet on. If Tony Hawk is skating a vert ramp, he's got a helmet on. But flip through any skate mag - none of these guys who are getting paid the big bucks, ie. professionals - are wearing helmets.
And again - my issue is with the law. It's punitive. And please refer to the health care professionals who are saying most skateboarding injuries are knee and wrist injuries, not head injuries.
As for motorcyclists - they are travelling on motorized vehicles going upwards of 100mph on public roadways. They should be wearing helmets. A skateboard is a self-propelled recreation device, so I do believe that age and skill level are relevant.
I think the issue is that we are turning kids into criminals - and they are treated like criminals by the police. So you spend hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars to develop a needed recreational facility, and then you ticket people who try to use it! Regardless of helmets - we are turning kids into criminals. Yes - there are cops lurking around skate parks in unmarked cars trying to write tickets. But we are talking about a recreational activity.
It may be THE LAW - but I think the point being made here is that THE LAW was written without much forethought or understanding. It may be THE LAW - but perhaps the law should be revisited, reformed, reconsidered.
Skateboarding is not a criminal activity. But skateboarders have been treated like criminals for decades. It's pretty hard to argue about helmet use - "it saves lives! it prevents inuuries!" - but no one has spoken about skill level, age, etc - the other mitigating aspects of the issue. Think about it - people play street hockey in the road, with moving vehicles - and everyone applauds them as athletes. But you put your foot on a skateboard - you're a criminal.
Great show on Saturday night - I was really impressed with all the designers who were showcasing. Especially loved the little tulip skirts by Turbine, and that red print dress by deuxfm! Can't wait for the next event.
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And again - my issue is with the law. It's punitive. And please refer to the health care professionals who are saying most skateboarding injuries are knee and wrist injuries, not head injuries.
As for motorcyclists - they are travelling on motorized vehicles going upwards of 100mph on public roadways. They should be wearing helmets. A skateboard is a self-propelled recreation device, so I do believe that age and skill level are relevant.
It may be THE LAW - but I think the point being made here is that THE LAW was written without much forethought or understanding. It may be THE LAW - but perhaps the law should be revisited, reformed, reconsidered.
Skateboarding is not a criminal activity. But skateboarders have been treated like criminals for decades. It's pretty hard to argue about helmet use - "it saves lives! it prevents inuuries!" - but no one has spoken about skill level, age, etc - the other mitigating aspects of the issue. Think about it - people play street hockey in the road, with moving vehicles - and everyone applauds them as athletes. But you put your foot on a skateboard - you're a criminal.