Mandatory Bicycle Helmet Laws

[bhikkhu]

25. I'd say mandatory up to 14, optional thereafter

...would be a good compromise. I think that protects the younger people while allowing options and expecting personal responsibility of the older ones.

I bicycled everywhere when I was a kid, before helmet laws. I still commute to work on a bike and its my main recreation on the weekends - getting out in the mountains and so forth. My commuting is mostly slow and safe, on bike paths, and I don't wear a helmet. In summer its hot and a helmet + street clothes is uncomfortable, while in winter its cold and difficult to fit warm hats under a helmet. Briefly, if a helmet makes cycling a pain and safety is a minor factor, then I don't wear one.

Out on the road bike I always wear a helmet, and of course if I'm on a ride with a group I wear a helmet. Speeds are faster, roads and traffic are more variable, and I can suit up for comfort regardless. On a group ride there is always the notion that the person organizing a ride is somewhat responsible for safety, and its just rude to show up without a helmet.