You are not alone and there is no need to apologize to anyone for not wearing a helmet. The only time I have worn a helmet in over 30 years has been for organized rides that require it. Otherwise a ballcap is my standard headgear. Yes, I have taken some spills, even gotten a few bumps on the head - though some may disagree, I don't think I am a vegetable.

Bottom line is two-fold:

1. A helmet is a personal decision, not something that should be mandated by anyone. Based on statistics, logic dictates that if we are to require helmets on bicycles, they should also be required by pedestrians, motor vehicle operators, motorcyclists and maybe those who prefer a shower to a bath. Going further, if one advocates mandatory bicycle helmet laws, it follows that they should also advocate mandatory seat belt laws, anti-abortion laws, anti-drug laws, anti-smoking and anti-drinking laws.

2. While a helmet may protect you from many head injuries, by far the best protection from all bicycling related injuries is safe bicycling. It amazes me how many cyclists ride dangerously and do not obey traffic laws. I even had one feller scold me about not wearing a helmet as I was waiting for the light to change to green at an intersection...and he was riding right through it. How about the wanna-be Lance's on aero bars that go barrelling at 20mph on a multi-use path crowded with people, kids and pets? Who is the lunatic?

If you feel the need to wear a helmet, great, if you don't, that's fine too.