Obamas' Martha's Vineyard Vacation Day 5: President Bikes Without A Helmet, Family Visits Gay Head Lighthouse (PHOTOS, POLL)

The first family did a little Martha's Vineyard tourism on Thursday, beginning with some biking on Lobsterville Beach in Aquinnah. Along for the ride were Konrad Ng, the president's brother-in-law, his daughter Suhaila, family friend Eric Whitaker, and a few other unidentified children. Everyone wore helmets except President Obama, and the first lady revisited the colorful madras shorts she wore to walk Bo in mid-June. Would you like the president to wear a helmet? Vote in the poll below.

The Obamas and their companions then took time to enjoy the view at the Gay Head Lighthouse, also in Aquinnah.

PHOTOS:

• • • • • • • • • • The first family, with Obama's brother-in-law Konrad Ng, enjoyed a bike ride on Lobsterville Beach in Aquinnah on Thursday morning. Everyone wore helmets except for the president.

Quick Poll

Do you think President Obama should wear a helmet?

Yes. Safety first! The president needs to take care of himself.

No. He's a grown man and can do what he wants.

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Comments

[bluecollarblogger]

Wow, the president did not wear a helmet! So many people concerned about something so insignific­ant.......­..what about this "Frantic Ga. 911 caller: 'My whole family is dead!'......now thats something worth talking about.........the death of American morality.

[edwarvir]

Dear Mr President,
Please wear your helmet when out riding
your bike If for no other reason than to set
a good example for our children
Thank you,

jean

[graffitijoe]

Was he scared his hair would be mussed for the photos?

[KathyDean]

Dear Ms. Obama.

For God's sake, continue wearing your Madras shorts for as many days in a row as you wish. They look good and it's better for the environment... Why must we dwell on such things?!...

[Jack78]

They look like they're having fun. I especiall like the shot with the reeds/wild flowers.
What a great spot for a family vacation, lots to see & do. Too bad the press won't let them have a simple bike ride alone with their daughters.

[gettingitright]

I'm sure there wasn't much chance that the POTUS would suffer a traumatic head injury; there were no curbs or concrete, things that usually hurt falling bikers. It's good to see his daughters practicing good habits though.
Having said that though, it must be terrible living in a fishbowl where virtually everything you do gets commented on. This is just a regular guy with the most important job in the world.

[michaleenflynn]

Oh yes, it must be soooooo terrible in that ol' fishbowl.

:::handwring::::

Every kind of staff person possible, Air Force One, living in the White House, personal chef, 24/7 armed security, access to anywhere Earth.....

Tough li'l fishbowl, that.

[SpankMePlease]

only a greedy money grubbing winger would think those things could possibly compensate for having your entire life under the microscope.

[bobjohnson41]

then why is it appropriate for the kids and the lady to wear a helmet? Seems contradictory. Not advising one way or the other, but when it comes to a helmet, "good for the goose, good for the gander" rule applies.

[gettingitright]

It is sometimes the prerogative of the parent to have a "do as I say, not as I do" moment. Allow him to be as imperfect as the rest of us.

[KillgoreTrout43]

I would think that Michelle made the kids wear a helmet. I would think she CHOSE to wear one. Obviously, Barack did not. So effing what?

[sophierose]

Despite years of bike riding, car riding and other forms of transportation, including skis, I got my one and only head injury playing Scrabble. At the time, I lived in a old brownstone and chunks of plaster fell on my head when my upstairs neighbors plumbing gave way..Now when I play Scrabble I always wear a helmet and make all the other players wear one too.........
Life is full of risk, maybe the Prez should not shower, all that slippery tile........
As for setting an example, I seriously doubt most little kids are looking avidly at photos from the Obama vacation, I assume they have parents or other caretakers, setting an example is their job, not his, let's give the guy a break.

[michaleenflynn]

Anecdotal sophistry.

[Weirdwriter]

Preening pedant.

[KillgoreTrout43]

Exactly!

[lily31]

I'm surprised Michele wasn't able to get him to........... he used to wear one biking around Chicago.

I voted "yes" because it's a good example for children and young adults. I mean if he happened to bike one of the bluffs, at least his head would be protected...... LOL

But so glad to see him out and about with the family. Today he leaves for Boston and the fond farewell to the Lion of the Senate..... And I do hope he makes good use of words to proclaim the benefits all Americans enjoy as a result of his hard and dedicated work on our behalf.

[Mar23]

In Chicago, there was concrete. Here there is sand as far as you can see. 'Nuf said.

[sski74]

They are such a great family (bike helmet or lack there of). Love the respect that they have for each other, and the times they cherish with each other. And Mrs. Obama is rocking those short and tank - she looks fantastic and healthy (great arms and meat on her bones). Great role model for a healthy body for women of all ages.

[buggey]

The last time the President wore a helmet, he was called a dork and a geek. I don't blame the Obama. No helmet this time. He can't win.

[barackobama4prez]

lol...say that again. he's going to be targeted by someone no matter WHAT he does.

[rsprags]

Isn't it amazing the level of lunacy on HP as it relates to our First Family.
WOW, Too much!

[smartalek]

Sure is -- and you're the perfect example.
Hey -- why no demand for the "real" birth certificate? Don't forget, you might not get paid if you don't mention it every time.

[KillgoreTrout43]

You mean like when Hannity criticized the prez for putting DiJon mustard on his burger??

[msoverall]

Yes, the President should have worn a helmet and the First Lady should have worn a hat, gloves, skirt and stockings to go biking, because even while biking she is representing the US and must always be dressed like she's recieving dignitaries. There, now is everyone happy?

[LiberTLover]

*snort* ROTFL!!!

[kilgore trout]

And can someone please tell her to ride the bike side-saddle?

[msoverall]

Thank you, how dare she open her legs to ride a bike, it's so undignified! First showing her arms and now her legs, will the lowering of national status ever end? I'm getting a case of the vapors, someone hand me my salts........

[CR46]

I always wear a helmet, but then my Harley goes faster :)

[sheikwil4]

lol

[SantaFeConservative]

How did we baby-boomers ever survive childhood? No bike helmets, unsupervised Halloween nights, etc. I think we are baby-ing our kids way too much.

[CR46]

Don't forget "lawn darts" with pointy ends. :)

[Yurdelite]

No, actually making the makers of the helmets rich. But you are right we had no such thing and we made it through.

[kilgore trout]

I weeshh i ha wor a halmutt.......

[Eartha]

Exactly, It is all marketing and it gets our culture everytime, well before we stop to ask why. Just like the idea that the oil in our vehicles must be changed every 3,000 miles. Marketing strikes again.

[Hodge]

Prez sets a good example for the kiddos! Was he smoking as well?

[KillgoreTrout43]

Whatever happened to, "Do your own thing?" Too many busybodies these days that want to tell others how to live their lives.

[Republicrats]

Give him a break, its marthas vineyard, its all sand and few motor vehicles, are we going to worry next if he misses a day of flossing?