I'm pro helmet and anti-helmet-law, for the reason cited about Australia and Canada. Same thing with New Zealand. People shouldn't let the law stop them, but it does. The more people we can get out there, the safer we will all be, because each cyclist out there is one fewer car. Think about it. Nothing can improve cycling safety better than increasing the number of cyclists. If someone doesn't want to wear a helmet, leave it to her or him. It's only one person's problem. It's not as if they are endangering others. If someone asks me if I recommend one, I say yes. I wear one. But I will not be a helmet law activist.