If you get hit by a lifted pickup a styrofoam cap won't help you. At all.
There is a great pleasure in riding without a styrofoam cap. I ride MUP's to work on a rigid bike with 2.5 tires. I never wear a helmet and it is glorious. I also noticed that looking back and hearing cars coming is greatly enhanced without the helmet. Try it and see!
There is not doubt that at least some (or a good part) of "helmet culture" is supported by the helmet industry (or the car industry to prevent more people from cycling if you believe the conspiracy theorists).
If you look at the stats for real (not the regularly quoted close calls or "doctors say") the jury is still way out on their efficacy.
Originally Posted by
davei1980
1. We have a helmet law here in Spokane
2. The risk vs. reward is like wearing a seatbelt. It doesn't make you one of the cool-kids or edgy to not wear one.
Comparisons to Holland are inappropriate because the cycling culture there is so much different - there are more bikes than cars. Here we live in the land of SUVs and lifted pickups who aren't always used to driving around bikes.
You're correct that a helmet is not a substitute for safe riding habits but it is a VERY MINOR inconvenience compared to a (no exaggeration) potentially life threatening head injury caused by a collision totally outside of the rider's control (eg - you can be the best, safest, slowest rider in the world and still get messed up)