i work in the health industry, and while many (including one of our stupidest - and that's saying something - ex-governors) say wearing a helmet should be an "individual choice," it has society-wide consequences, especially for us tax payers.
Almost anyone with a severe closed head injury is going to require many years of medical attention, running into the millions of $. Even with insurance, there is frequently a cap, and for these types of injuries that cap is reached very quickly. Then what happens? The person who made the "personal choice" not to wear a helmet must apply for government sponsored health insurance: Medicaid, which will pay forever.
So it may be an "individual right" not to wear a helmet in some places, but in this case, there is a greater social good that easily triumphs such a silly "right."
the 'nanny state' strikes again...........you better get ready for your bicycle license test, that's next.