Remember kids... always wear a helmet. (The almighty bikeradar helmet thread)

They're law in Australia and compulsory for almost all racing and participation events. I have no qualms wearing them. I have no qualms leaving them at home when I ride to the shops. I do get tired of helmet debates and that's where this will go in T-minus 10.. 9... 8..

I find myself strangely drawn to this debate. I had an argument with an Australian woman at work who seemed to think the law change in Oz had been an unassailable success story.

Have a read of this:

http://www.cyclehelmets.org/papers/c2022.pdf

It concludes:

[INDENT]"Comparisons of pre- and post-law injury data show that there is little benefit to either cyclists or the community from passing laws forcing cyclists to wear helmets. Rather than encouraging cyclists to wear helmets, the laws appear to have discouraged cycling, resulting in reduced health and fitness, but very little change in the percentage of head injuries. If the money spent on helmets had been used for other measures e.g. improving accident blackspots for cyclists, the benefits would have much been greater."
[/INDENT]