When Did Bicycle Helmets Become Popular?

I never, ever saw one growing up. Not even on long distance bikers. Now they're everywhere. And if you did wear one back in the day, you would be considered a sissie, but not these days.

Were we just dumber? Why didn't our parents make us wear one? Did we not think safety was a concern? Were helmets even available back in the 60's and 70's?

It makes you wonder why it took so long for someone to think that it was probably a good idea to wear a helmet while out bicycling. I mean, you're just around thousands of lbs of steel and fiberglass flying around you as you cruise down the street. Gee...who would've figured?

Was there a widespread account of accidents that made us sit up and take notice? Or is it just a need to feel safer with so many action sports like biking and skating being more popular?

The reason I ask this question? We were out buying a bicycle for one of the grand kids yesterday. So of course, after picking out a bike, we went over and started looking at the helmets. Now, you don't have just a couple of choices. You have different colors, themes, and of course different sizes depending on your age.

So, I'll ask the question again...When did bicycle helmets become so popular?

funny girl and bicycle