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

Do you not agree compulsory helmet wearing would reduce cycling (if enforced)? Do you not agree that it's healthy to encourage casual cycling?

Yes, cycling should be encouraged and a mandatory helmet law would probably reduce cycling.

The problem i have is the debate is too narrow and all the onus to safety is put on the cyclist.

There have been huge, expensive campaigns to tell drivers to watch out for motorbikes and to think bike and the rest. Campaigns that enforce the idea that motorcycles deserve a space on the road and that cars need to respect them and their space.

But when it comes to cyclists, the message is cyclists should wear a helmet or accept they will be maimed/killed. And the debate hasn't moved/isn't moving on from that.

Just saying cyclists shouldn't be forced to wear helmets does nothing to change the attitudes of motorists.