My rule is no helmet - no ride, with absolutely no exceptions. Even if I'm just riding round the block to check something, my helmet is securely strapped on. In fact my helmet goes on before I unlock my bike and only comes off when the bike is locked back up or away again, so I'm never actually on a bike without wearing head protection. That's a very strict routine I'm in after falling a few years ago and cracking my helmet. I fully realise a helmet won't save me in 100% of crashes, but I really can't see the logic in not wearing one. I'm convinced I've been very well protected by my helmet a few times in the past and I genuinely believe circumstances do exist where wearing one can save your life, which is why I think every single person who rides on two wheels NEEDS to wear one. It's just a shame not everyone does!
Actually it's a shame that so many people consider cycling to be so dangerous. I don't wear a helmet unless an event dictates or I feel the risk of head injury is greater than normal in relation to the hundreds of other activities I do daily without a helmet (racing being a good example, thought that it now mandated anyway).
This is where people like me disagree with people like you. I don't consider cycling dangerous, the danger comes from people voluntarily making it more dangerous via their own actions...whether it be racing or just riding like an idiot and not following the rules of the road. You consider the act of riding a bicycle dangerous...and that is sad, but perhaps you make those choices that make it dangerous, so I am happy that you realize your limitations and wear a helmet to reduce your risk of injury WHEN you crash.
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey