Originally Posted by RacerX
No, but you might be for pointing to an example of a completely different culture and a picture of 100% bicycles that have no auto traffic in it.
They don't require child seats or safety regulations in autos, trains or any other form of mass transit. Does that make it ok for you to point to a developing 3rd world nation as an example of the right way to do things?
Yes, it does look like they are riding on a bike path in that photo. However, I think it is safe to say that they do share the streets with cars in other parts of the city. Not likely that point A to point B is all bike path. Nevertheless, I agree there are some riding situations in which wearing a helmet is not so crucial.
As for pointing to other nations for the right way to do things: sure I would, to a degree. Having spent time in such places, I can tell you that less rules and regulations is really quite liberating. Obviously, there are many regulations here that make sense, but I feel we have gone beyond overboard in America in many cases. People always talk about how free America is, yet when I leave it I get a real sense of what an illusion that perception is. I'd rather live with a little more risk and a little more freedom.