What makes these debates so fun is that we really are talking apples and pears. Using commuters in Amersterdam as a comparison is foolish compared to PCad - we have lots of people who use bikes here in Costa Rica (shock, unhelmeted!) who probably hit 8 MPH if they are really pushing it. I kid you not. And then you have PCad who is trying to convince himself that he can keep up with the big boys.

Just poking around at 10 to 14 MPH - not a big thing - bombing down a hill at 30 MPH+ - nothing is going to help you much if you hit something - it is totally luck if you walk away. The helmet will help some - but not enough to count on it. Even the helmet manufactors say so.

If course, I believe in miracles - since I don't wear a helmet unless I am doing single track or seeing how fast I can go - I should be dead many times over by now. Or perhaps it is just I am an old stick in the mud and not trying to see how fast I can go. I swear, I fall over a lot more walking - so much so I almost always have a walking stick now. I don't fear falling off a bike - but while walking? Now that is scary!

I sure don't think it is wrong for someone to wear a helmet while cycling - but I am not about to start until I start wearing one while walking - I know where my real risk lies!