So it's not an AMA and I'm not exactly anti-helmet. Rather than posting on a recent thread about helmet use, I thought I'd start a separate thread. I know this has been done to death, but I do believe that helmet advocacy is a mixed bag and that people should feel free to ride without them if they are able to do so safely. I think this summarizes my position: https://www.cyclinguk.org/campaigning/views-and-briefings/cycle-helmets Basically, the argument is that helmet laws and advocacy discourage cycling and that having more cyclists on the road is safer and healthier for everyone. People in countries best known for cycling like the Netherlands and Denmark rarely wear helmets, and this is actually a key ingredient to its popularity and safety in those regions.

While I do think it is good to wear a helmet, especially if you are riding for sport, I am not convinced that helmet advocacy (such as telling people to wear a helmet) is actually sound policy or makes for a healthier society as a whole.

One thing to keep in mind is that a lot of people on this sub are from the US. If this does end up generating a discussion it would be nice to amplify voices from other regions.

As I write this I will also sadly note that a cyclist died near me yesterday in a head-on collision on a country road that I have ridden many times. An oncoming vehicle crossed over the center line (sources conflict over whether she did as well). She was wearing a helmet. Cycling can be dangerous and I wish we had safer infrastructure and better attitudes across the board.

Happy riding, stay safe out there!