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ivanvector t1_j9pif0e wrote

They're designed to protect against different injuries more common to each of the activities.

Bike helmets are generally designed to protect against low-speed blunt collisions (I've read about 4m/s), such as falling off your bike and hitting your head on the ground, or a small inclined object like a curb. They're also designed so that if you do hit your head your spine won't rotate, which can cause very serious injury or even instant death.

I know less about ski helmets, but they have to protect against higher-speed collisions with upright stationary objects (such as trees), and they also protect the user's face and eyes from cold weather while maintaining visibility, which bike helmets don't have to do.

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LucasUnited OP t1_j9pnub4 wrote

I get the point, however, I live in Denmark where 60% rides their bike to work, and most of them are easily going 20-25 mph, so it just doesn't make sense for me

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ivanvector t1_j9pxmuk wrote

They're designed for the vertical speed you pick up falling off a bike, not really for moving collisions or collisions with moving objects. They're better than nothing, but you would need a much more robust helmet to protect you from the sorts of injuries sustained in motor vehicle collisions.

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