Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Bill de Blasio

A Round and a Roundy: Spare Us the Helmet Law Talk, Bill

Cartoon: Bill Roundy

Editorial cartoonist Bill Roundy
Editorial cartoonist Bill Roundy
Editorial cartoon of Bill Roundy by editorial cartoonist Bill Roundy.

Our editorial cartoonist Bill Roundy is sick of Mayor de Blasio's talk about creating mandatory helmet laws in New York City.

For one thing, helmets have been shown to dramatically reduce cycling, which makes riding a bike more dangerous because it reduces the "strength in numbers" phenomenon that leads to motorists driving more safely and intelligently.

But the worst thing about bike helmets is the false sense of security they provide. Some studies show that drivers are more reckless when they see a cyclist with a helmet. And, lest we forget, no helmet in the world is going to save a cyclist who is run over by a truck or large car — which has been the fate of the majority of the 28 cyclists who have died this year.

So that's why he created this week's cartoon.

It's our December donation drive. Please give from the heart (and wallet) by clicking the logo above.
It's our December donation drive. Please give from the heart (and wallet) by clicking the logo above.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Tuesday’s Headlines: The Storm Before the Calm Edition

What a mess (was Gersh actually right?!). Plus other news.

January 27, 2026

Frank Arroyo, Lower East Side Bike Shop Legend, Has Died

The death of a beloved small business owner is always cause for mourning in the neighborhood. But Frank, who opened his shop on the far eastern end of Grand Street in 1976, evokes more than mere grief.

January 27, 2026

Memo to Mamdani: Bring Back the Weekend G Train to Forest Hills

The new mayor should work with Gov. Hochul and the MTA to restore the Crosstown Local to 71st Avenue.

January 27, 2026

How Mamdani Can Fix NYC’s Neglected Greenways

This vital transportation infrastructure needs a lot of TLC by the new mayor.

January 26, 2026

Cycle of Rage: NYC Is A HELLSCAPE For Pedestrians

We can apportion the blame later in the day, but the greatest walkable city in North America is completely impassible to people on foot or in wheelchairs.

January 26, 2026

Gov. Hochul’s Car Insurance Proposal is a Disaster for Crash Victims’ Rights

As a state that values walking and biking, we cannot allow the governor to gut the rights of the people most at risk — especially since it won't lower insurance rates anyway.

January 26, 2026
See all posts