What is proper etiquette?

[jwrushman]

In NJ, anyone under 17 riding a bicycle is required to wear a helmet.  All to often, mom and dad are out riding with the kids; the kids have their helmets on, but the parents don't.  This morning I saw this and yelled at the dad "Where's your helmet?"  He ignored me.   Does someone have a kinder way of encouraging parents to wear a bicycle helmet.  Maybe I should have said "Hey buddy, you forgot your helmet."  It such an easy thing for the adults to do and it models behavior you wish the kids to continue.

[zzzz]

I don't mean to be unpleasant as this is such a polite forum and I like it that way but....

I think proper etiquette here is to mind your own business.

Pete

[jrswenberger]

I don't mean to be unpleasant as this is such a polite forum and I like it that way but....

I think proper etiquette here is to mind your own business.

Pete

I must agree with Pete.

As difficult as this is to believe, in the US, we still have the right to do things that others don't necessarily agree with. No matter how ignorant and irresponsible an act may seem to you and I, there isn't anything to be gained by confronting someone that has made a decision like this. They've already shown they lack common sense, they aren't interested in teaching their children by setting a positive example and that they aren't concerned about the consequences of even minor head trauma.

Every day at work, I must work with people that make decisions about their own health care that I don't always agree with. But, it is their life and their choice. I would rather live in a place where my choices about my life are respected by others, so that they may enjoy that same right.

Enjoy the ride,
Jay

[hospengr]

I agree with Pete as well, but I will encourage friends and family to wear helmets.  Strangers - they have made their decision, and it is not my business.

[indyfabz]

+3.

[DaveB]

+4  Particularly with the kind of aggressive "Nannyism" the OP reported, the father is more likely to never get a helmet just to show he won't be coerced by an intrusive stranger.   "You catch more flies with honey...." seems to fit here.

[dancingcyclist]

This is no different then when I'm hiking, there are rules about short cutting switchbacks, leashing your dog, even who has the right of way. I use to try to educate people but they just don't want to hear it so now unless it directly affects me I keep quite. Tired of being told 'go F yourself".

[jbruced]

I agree with the others. People who are not wearing helmets have made their choice just like people who are wearing helmets. If I am asked about why I wear a helmet I respond by indicating the presence of my helmet mounted rearview mirror and saying that I like to be able to see who or what is coming behind me. I never go in to the head injury issue because most people don't feel like that will ever happen to them.

[indyfabz]

Tired of being told 'go F yourself".

That seems to be the response of choice these days when you point out a rules transgression. I have even had it hurled at me when, out of courtesy, I have let motorists know that their headlights are not on.