Originally Posted by
CrankyOne
Before reading studies of Australia and Canada I'd have agreed with you, but the numbers declined quite sharply when mandatory helmet laws were implemented.
The bigger impact though is that people don't start riding. Either because of not wanting to wear a helmet (hassle, hot, messes my hair, looks dorky, ...) or because it makes bicycling look terribly dangerous.
I don't think that ruling on the safety or danger in bicycling should be based on the public perception and impact to numbers of people doing it. Helmets either substantially reduce the risk of injury, or not. That question has little to do with whether people want to wear them.
I personally know that a helmet reduces my potential for head injury. That's good enough for me. I'm not going to lie about what I know so more people will ride bicycles.