Originally Posted by
2 Piece
Thanks for your reply OldTryGuy,
Sounds like you are racing and I would agree you should wear a helmet. But I would venture to guess that the vast majority bicycle riding is not done in a race.
Now lets get down to the simple facts. If any of the accidents you mentioned were done in a car you would have been at fault, called ability to maintain control of your vehicle. Thus what I said, ride a bicycle within your abilities to control it and be aware of your surroundings and you very greatly, reduce the need for a helmet.
Actually, no road racing at all. A triathlon might be considered a race, but I am in them just to complete and do my best. The crash in the tri was seeing a 6"-metal cover raised up from the pavement and not being able to avoid at the approaching speed while navigating the tight circle. The others were just a casual Saturday ride with the guys. Nothing intense at the time of the "Oh crap" moments.