Poor Barack Obama. He can’t take a simple bicycle ride without attracting criticism.
During the 2008 campaign, Obama was photographed wearing a bike helmet while cycling in Chicago. Critics said he looked like a dork. Then last year, when he rode handsomely bare-headed down the paths of Martha’s Vineyard, the safety lobby lambasted him for setting a dangerous example. So on last month’s return to the island, the carefully helmeted president appeased those critics—only to reawaken charges that he looked like an unmanly wimp. Maybe next year he’ll give up and leave the bike rides to the First Daughters.
Apparently, it’s not just the president: There’s a passionate, transatlantic debate on the merits of bicycle helmets.
My view on the subject: The only way Obama could look like more of a dork while riding a bicycle is to substitute a Santa Cruz Banana Slugs t-shirt for the polo shirt. But, if he’s going to ride one, he’s got to set a good example for the kiddies and wear the helmet.
