It was just another morning as I was engaged in my workout regimen. Two mornings per week, I focus on speed and time, and when doing so, I become enmeshed in a zone so that very little impedes my focus.
I was at mile four when suddenly, I heard a sound that can only be generated from the friction produced by tires rolling on the surface of the path behind me. For that split second, I departed from my mental zone and instinctively moved to my right, expecting the person behind to beckon me with that signal of etiquette, not to mention safety – “passing left.” But no signal was forthcoming, and my peripheral vision warned me that someone was passing on my right instead.
Sure enough, a young girl, probably 10 years old, sped by and slightly skimmed my right elbow. Thank goodness the contact was so minimal that she was not knocked off balance. After she passed by, my heart rate elevated dramatically – but not due to increasing my speed. Rather, I noticed she was not wearing a helmet and a fairly large tree stood to her right. I couldn’t help but imagine what could have resulted had she passed by an inch or two closer to me. I was scared, but more so, incensed! How could a parent permit a child to ride a bicycle without wearing a helmet?
I have spent hours running and walking the trails in our community during the past 20 years, and I am astonished at the number of children and adults I observe – supposedly intelligent individuals – who Rollerblade or ride bicycles and skateboards without wearing helmets.
Why shouldn’t New Albany become the 25th city in Ohio to implement a helmet law, one that is innovative yet meaningful for everyone? Let’s discuss the possibilities and ride down this path together with clear heads – wearing our helmets.
