Originally Posted by VaultGuru

Maybe it is just me, but I have been noticing an increasing number of riders that are not wearing helmets. Is this the new hot fad? I rode the Auburn Century last weekend and saw three riders with no helmets by the time I got to Colfax. (They were not participating in the ride). I'm wondering if any of them either 1. work, or have worked, in a trauma center; 2. volunteer in one, 3. just visited one lately to see the carnage, and/or 4. have health insurance to prevent you, and me, (insured) for paying for their uninsured ego. Head trauma from a severe bike accident is almost a given, yet somehow, the known outcome is either ignored or there is a "it won't happen to me" mentality. Granted, the helmets cyclists wear are not the greatest, but any kind of protection is better then looking up at your favorite Neurologist, Neurosurgeon and/or Orthopedic surgeon (if you can) when you are in the Operating Room.
Your thoughts?