Bicycle helmet laws = bad?

[garote]

"The Dangers of Helmets", a British Medical Journal article arguing against bicycle helmet laws:

http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/321/7276/1582#SEC4

The basic arguments are:

1. Requiring helmets gives an impression that cycling is more dangerous than walking or driving, this scares off people who would be healthier if they cycled.
2. If a helmet is a legal requirement, people will think that simply having one is adequate, instead of learning how to bike cautiously.
3. Helmets don't actually protect riders (justification provided via a cartload of what is, to my eyes, rather questionable statistical analysis.)

Thoughts?

Comments

[headless-chickn.livejournal.com]

I admit with deepest shame that I'm back to *not* wearing my helmet every day. I'm just one of those dumb fucks who's gonna need a skull injury to change my mind for me.

Let's just hope I survive that first skull injury that changes my mind.

[garote]

Personally, I wear one not just for safety concerns, but because THE SUN, IT BURRRRRRRRRRRRNNNNNS.....

chill

[(Anonymous)]

dude u need to relax and also u have to try to think. Cause if u r smart and stuff then u know the right way to fall cause i dont wear a helmet and im still fine. And not only that u should wear a helmet though if your going to do stunts etc. Please try to control your language because its people like your that has made the future generations so disrespectful.