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@Stonehedge
Agreed, its a small sample size and does nothing to reflect injury rates.
The bottom line remains though that helmets, in some circumstances, reduce the risk of injury.
You say that laws in place to protect cyclists are not being enforced, you are spot on. Not just for drivers but also by cyclists. Mutual responsibility must be taken...its still illegal to RLJ. Its illegal for a car driver to wear headphones so why should cyclists be allowed to?
This debate should be devoid of discussion of blame. Its all about following the laws of the road in a responsible way and each individual making a choice about helmet use. The helmet debate is not in the best interests of cyclists. If you wear one, you ARE less likely to receive a head injury in some circumstances and this should be the focus of the message rather than the subtext.
I don't know whether this is true but I heard recently that cycling rates are returning to the levels that they were before the helmet law in Australia. Perhaps a short term hit on public health is worth it in the long run?
Go and talk to any A&E doctor and ask them about the sorts of head injuries they see with cyclists. They treat an awful lot of people for brain injuries from helmetless low speed accidents.