I always wear a helmet. It bugs me a little when it's hot out but head injury would probably bug me a little more. I try to keep everything in working order, my melon most of all. In the park people don't wear helmets or have lights or anything, but I'm riding out on the streets with cars. Lights, helmet and reflectors plastered all over my backpack. I want to live to look silly another day. Plus I'm too old to be cool anymore anyway.