Originally Posted by I-Like-To-Bike

OK got it. "Effectiveness" for you is a vague term without meaning and is substantiated by anecdotal good feelings about undefined results.

Originally Posted by FBinNY

Speaking as an opponent of mandatory helmet rules, not helmets per se, I think there's an over emphasis on head injuries which is in disproportion to the actual problem. I believe that bicycling is generally safe, though of course not absolutely safe. Individuals are (or should be) free to do whatever they feel is necessary to ensure their own safety, but governments should be focused on lowering the overall rate of accidents through things like eliminating things like poorly designed sewer grates, and better road design.