2 observations I noticed about European bike riders. Italy
1. your average daily 3speed Joe using the bicycle as a means of transportation to get from point A to point B don't wear helmets. This is your group that is really not your recreational cyclist but more of a means of transportation cyclist. The speeds traveled by these cyclists were quite leisure and could include anyone from the local priest to someone's grandma going to the market.
2. all serious cyclists, meaning they either had on cycling apparell(jersey/ shorts/ shoes) and rode some form of road bike all wore helmets. This isn't just a team or semi pro rider but your average recreational cyclist who seemed to ride more than just to get from point A to point B. These guys rode pretty fast and some descending skills as well as climbing skills and did not look all that in shape although some did look quite fit.

no point here, just an observation