Well, yeah, each to their own, but if I am casually riding or commuting a short distance at barely walking speed I do not need a helmet or knee pads or elbow pads. I tell you, the whole time I was in Germany, I think I may have seen two helmets. Of course, they smoke cigarettes while riding also so perhaps Europe has not gone over the top on this safety crap. I went to a rally car race and stood right beside the track with cars zooming by at 100 MPH and I could have touched them. Here we would have to stand a hundred feet away behind a barrier. Just a different perception and take on things. I grew up in the era before the safety BS that began in the 80s, somehow I survived. I guess most of you guys grew up post 70s and wore all the stuff so you are used to it. If I am riding fast, yes, if not, no thanks. Just me, not PC, it is what it is.

The cheap skater helmets, just got one at wallyworld, integrated cover and foam construction, comfortable and good ventilation, made by Bell. Not like my old Bell helmets but works good, disposable. Yanked the visor off and tossed it and mounted my mirror. Love it.

I think those stylish faceted helmets with the faux aero shapes are dangerous. Helmets should have a smooth, hard exterior so they skip, not catch. I did slide down the road on my head once after getting of my Gixer at triple digits. The Shoei saved my bacon. It wore all the way through to the liner and took multiple hard hits before I came to a stop. A little scuffed (me) up but no worse for the wear, well, the bike was not so good. All good fun. Safety is way over rated, especially when it gets in the way of living or musses my hair.