Is it true that helmets were required if you were doing a photo shoot for BMX ACTION? How do you feel about the lack of regard for safety by ALOT of the newer generation. This just sparked inside me cause i was reading the new issue of ride, (Yeah bought it for the chris moeller interview) And on the cover is a sean burns doing a burly rail, but with no gear. What is your opinion?

I know Oz was pro-protective gear.
I've thought the lack of it in magazines for the last 10 years or more is stupid.
They're young minds. Give them a positive influence.

I remember Deanna saying once that she missed out on a BMXA cover because she wasn't wearing gloves. I don't know if it was an issue of safety or asthetics though.

Holy smokes! I thought the "TO CLIP OR NOT TO CLIP" thread was controversial enough. Now Ant-Dog has introduced another controversial subject.

Well, these things certainly increase the excitement level around here.

Ant-Dog (by the way, where did you get that name?), it is true that when I ran BMX ACTION, helemts were required for photo shoots. The way I looked at it was very basic: We influenced a lot of kids and I did not want to be the cause of any kid going out to jump without a helmet and ending up paralized or dead.

However, that was then and this is now. The world has changed. Were I publishing a BMX mag now I honestly do not know WHAT I would do. Luckily, I don't have to make that choice.

Here's an interesting point, though...I ride a Harley and Montana does not have a helmet law...and I choose to ride without.

WOW Oz! Really, no helmet? It is a free country. I know a lot of different types of motorcycle riders and there are as many types of attitudes to go them. If you have a choice, make it.

These are my opinions and I am not here to tell any one what they should do. Nobody likes being told what to do. Sometimes a suggestion is all that is needed.

Personally I will not ride my dirt or street bike without a helmet and protection. But that is me.

But getting back to this topic and also a reference to the clip topic. I "had" a brother who despised anyone telling him what to do. Would not wear a helmet because "they" told him he had to. Refused to wear a seat belt for the same reason.

In his mind he was right. He is now dead right. In a vehicle roll-over (he was driving) he was ejected and cruched by his own car. The passenger with a seat belt on was unhurt. (except for the visuals he will live with forever)

I remember way back in my BMX days being told, "if you have a $10 head, wear a $10 helmet."

I believe the younger kids need to wear safety gear and be encouraged to do so for thier own sake. But if they see the Experts and Pros going without, they will follow that example. It is the nature of the beast.

I think alot of what I said here parellels the "clip" topic. Who am I to tell anyone what to do.

All of these are hot topics indeed. Please discuss properly and tastefully.

A closeing note. For me, one of the reasons the racing was boreing was because I was a specator to an event that I used to participate in. That was difficult. I respect those who are out there getting after it. As long as it is exciting for you, carry on.

But we all need to see the big picture. To keep this sport alive and growing.

Dennis...Even though I do not wear a helmet on my bike, I DO wear seat belts all the time...in Ireland and England (opposite side of the road driving), in the snow, and even just driving around the little town we live in.

So figure that one out!

It is that feeling of freedom you have on a motorcycle that makes a helmet feel kind of restricting. I know the feeling.

But I have 2 reasons for my wearing a helmet. I wear a (one) contact lense. It is extremely uncomfortable to have all that wind or ANY piece of dust get in my eye.

The other reason is that I think too much. The possabilities of what might happen. Too many responsibilities.

Ok, as an elementary school teacher/administrator I feel obligated to chime into this particular topic with my perspective on childhood. As an Educator, everyday I see the effects of media on my kids. They take what they see on TV, in magazines and in the movies as gospel.

We ALL KNOW that they should be taught to reason through things for themselves and not just emulate the attitudes, actions, dress...of those in the spotlight. But YOU and I also know that in many cases these life lessons are not being learned at home.

SOOOOOOO - that being said, I am of the opinion that though in a perfect world parents and other concerned adults would have more clout than sports and entertainment stars, we have to live with the reality that those in the spotlight are our kids focus/role models. It may be ok for the 19 year old pro who has been riding for 15 years, and is paying his own insurance, to make less than safe decisions about how he / she rides, i.e. without pads, helmet...

Those running the Media covering any sport need to remember that Pro’s are not the only ones reading their magazines. It may make for a great cover shot to show a beautifully executed jump, where the rider is not wearing protective gear.

However, the majority of the riders reading the magazine are not going to be highly experienced riders who could pull off this stunt unharmed. By publishing such pictures at the COVER SHOT that started this dialog the magazine is making a decision for young riders that should be avoided. (Mikey bike rider thinks, “If Joe Kid can do it without a helmet, why should I listen to my folks when they tell me to where a helmet?”) That is a parent’s prerogative to make such decisions since their child is under their care and their insurance bill. ---- though this thread is about safety… it could just as easily be about how kids dress, talk, or promiscuity…as shown in the media and imitated by our kids.

This goes for other things too where an adult has the right to make that choice for themselves in places where the law does not require, say a seatbelt or helmet. YOU pay your insurance; YOU make your choices; YOU live with the consequences.

I love the fact that sports Icons such as Tony Hawk, are always seen with helmet and pads, in any situation where he might be seen by young aspiring skateboarders. Who knows if Tony wears these in “private,” that is his decision, he is not affecting anyone else at that point, well maybe his family… but….

I guess what I am really trying to say, is that the ADULTS in this world need to do more to look after our kids, allow them to live in a safe environment, where they can be KIDS and not have to grow up quite so quickly. OK enough of my soapbox…..

Uh...did I just get a lecture???

Oh NO, OZ! I am so sorry! That was not how I meant it at all. Sorry. I must of had my Assistant Principal voice on when I wrote that post.

You are fine. You are an adult (well considering you know my hubby that may be debatable) you can make your own decisions. You should make your own decisions. I don't think others should be making those choices for YOU, or ME for that matter.

Where I have a concern is when media, "superstars," and the like push ideas, either knowingly or unknowingly, that will, can, DO affect the choices children make.

I think parents and other concerned adults in kids lives should pay closer attention to the things influencing the decisions children make. It is our responsibility as the adults in their lives to give them every opportunity to grow up in a fun loving, safe, childlike environment.

So, to try to clear the mud.

Your original statement

quote:

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it is true that when I ran BMX ACTION, helemts were required for photo shoots. The way I looked at it was very basic: We influenced a lot of kids and I did not want to be the cause of any kid going out to jump without a helmet and ending up paralized or dead.

---

pretty much sums up what I was trying to get across. Since this was a discussion about what the Media should or should not do, my admonishment was towards those that published the cover previously described. In otherwords, if someone runs a media sorce that may have some influence on a child, then that someone should consider what those influences might be, even if it may "stifle their artistic expression."

[ April 01, 2007, 07:41 PM: Message edited by: Mrs. Red Baron ]