Originally Posted by Redhatter

The other downside is how to provide them in a manner that is cost-effective and doesn't risk damage to the helmet in question.

Here in Brisbane we've got the CityCycle system… the bikes themselves appear to be 3-speed jobbies, never tried riding one myself but I walk past them regularly. (There's two stations within a block of my workplace.)

One thing I notice is the condition of the helmets. They are stored out in the open, sometimes just sitting in the front basket. So the shell is faded, there's no padding, and the foam looks a bit weathered. I wouldn't trust one as far as I could throw it. It's very much "tick a box" and nothing more.

Then there's vandalism.

Melbourne have a system where you buy one for $5, someone has to pay the difference, and I suspect that's the Melbourne residents. Not perfect, but at least the helmet you buy is likely to be in better condition.