What about us newbies. Maybe we want to say something the others didn't.

Yeah, I'm too cool for a helmet but I like to set a good example so I wear one anyways.

What's the saying: "I'd rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it."

Bicycles can become second nature, like walking or running. The problem being that, especially for street riders, you can't control other people's actions. So, while you may be the best in the world, nothing is going to stop that F-250 driver on his cell phone from ramming into you.

Or here's another example. I was riding down this sidewalk the other day that I've been down a million times. I noticed something funny on my bike and looked down for a second. To my surprise a new sign had just been installed on the sidewalk and after a loud thud I opened my eyes to find myself sitting on the ground and pieces of my bike scattered all over the rode. Luckily my only injuries were some huge bruises and a little whiplash, luckily.

Your head is probably the best thing to invest in for safety so I see nothing wrong with a helmet. Sure I might not wear it to take a quick ride down the street but for anything else it seems to make sense.

Then again I went to Japan recently and bikes are sort of second nature to their entire culture. There are as many people on bikes as there are walking or driving. I didn't pay specific attention but I don't remember seeing many helmets... unless they were for fashion.