Originally Posted by
Walter S
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.
I disagree. For a few reasons. First, we have huge problems with obesity, diabetes, coronary disease, Alzheimer's, and numerous other chronic ailments related to lack of activity. Getting people riding, with or without helmets, will likely save far more lives than helmets ever could. If helmets do discourage people from riding and thus from getting activity then they are likely a far greater harm than benefit.
There is safety in numbers. The more people who ride, the safer EVERYONE is. Again, if helmets discourage people from riding then that increases the risk for all bicycle riders.
Finally, how do you 'know' that a helmet reduces your potential for head injury?