Much as I hate to do this AGAIN...

Athletes are different. They are engaging in a cycling activity that is immensely more dangerous than the recreational rides most of us are on. Most importantly, they are the WORST judge of what they should or shouldn't be doing, protection-wise. If there is even the slightest notion that lessening some safety measure will make them even a nanosecond faster they will do it. Completely disregarding thier own well-being. EVERY sport has mandated safety measures. Why? Because without them, we'd have athletes in EVERY sport dying all over the place because they were trying to eak out that extra edge. Why else would doping be illegal in sports? Ephedra is a good example. It WILL be banned from most if not all sports, because it is dangerous. All the athletes knew it was dangerous, but they're taking it anyway. Clearly they are not capable of making sound rational decisions about thier own safety. Their judgement is clouded by thier competitive spirit. Mandatory helmet rules for pro athletes are a great idea. I really hope they have the stones to see it thru.

I need to state here that I am pro-helmet, BUT I am against making it legally mandatory for Joe/Jane Citizen when riding on the street. Except for children, where I believe it SHOULD be mandatory at all times, when riding, blading and particularly those damnable motorized scooters that have become SO popular recently.