Not to pick on you, but this is a very common sentiment. It would be difficult to prove in a given individual but it seems that cyclists are more wiling to be aggressive if they have a helmet on (a known effect elsewhere) and if they were to be caught without it for some reason they would ride overcautiously until they were safely off the bike.

It is one possible explanation for a statistical trend reported here:

http://www.topica.com/lists/massbike...t=d&start=4140

From what I have read, they have not had the overwhelming positive effects that were projected in NZ or Australia either.

I submit that putting helmets on inexperienced riders heads by telling them 'a helmet saved my life' (or 'my friend's life', etc) encourages them to take more risks while cycling. Yesterday while at a bike shop I noticed that Bell bicycle helmets still come in a box with the slogan 'Courage for your head'.

That this projection might actually contribute to more injuries or deaths seems to escape the grasp of many (bicycle only) helmet zealots, but given their general ignorance on the subject, this is hardly surprising.

To quote from the article above, "You would be well advised to wear a helmet provided you could persuade yourself it is of little use". Or, to go from the specific to the general, know the limits of your safety equipment; start by understanding how they work.

It's not my desire to preach it, but I do believe it.