If helmets weren't compulsory, would YOU wear one?

[TamSV]

I would wear a helmet almost all the time. There are circumstances where I don't wear one now for very brief periods on the road so I expect that wouldn't change if they weren't compulsory.

It shouldn't be compulsory. Almost everyone would wear a helmet anyway, just like many did before it became law, which is perhaps why it made virtually no difference to the KSI figures.

[maviczap]

I'll let the pictures do the talking, but this is why I would wear a cycle or motorcycle helmet

18mph

IMAG0176 by maviczap, on Flickr

Local road scenery, I saw one worse than this, situated in the middle of a lane, disguised by water. There are lots more I haven't photographed

IMAG0012 by maviczap, on Flickr

I've seen much worse than this, which would catch a motorcycle front wheel quite nicely

IMAG0006 by maviczap, on Flickr

Will never ride without an helmet! Always wearing, boots, gloves and jacket - must admit for commuting to work, when nice I only wear jeans.

[NTECUK]

I've slid down the roadat about 30 ish in 501 's.Ok kevlar they ant but was no worse a graze than I got falling of my push bike.

[Bibio]

Originally Posted by NTECUK

Like my full face lid keeps the wind,bugs and stones out.

yup

[punyXpress]

. . . and fag ends!

[Dipper]

... a so an so when a wasp or bee gets inside though

[Tomor]

Always wear a lid, jacket gloves and boots. Chop and change between kevlar jeans if its hot or proper textiles if i am going for a 'serious' ride.

[Jayneflakes]

I once fell off a pillion seat while wearing a miniskirt, a strappy top and sandals. I had no helmet, gloves or armour and the worst I got was a graze on my elbow and one heck of a bruise on my back side.

I wear a Helmet because I choose to, I have ridden with out one in countries where helmet use is not compulsory and the freedom is wonderful. However it does not feel safe at anything above 30MPH, it did not stop me though. Mind you I ride bikes because I am a rebel, I hate cars, I dislike authority and I am offended by a nanny state that tells me what I can and cannot do, where I must cross the road, what colour jacket I must wear and so on. Being a sane and rational adult I am aware of the consequences of falling off my bike and I choose to wear the clothing that will protect me, but if I want to ride in a bikini and risk losing my limbs, that is my choice as an adult.

[squirrel_hunter]

Yes I would still wear one. But yes I've ridden round the block more than once without one on, and I felt very naughty and very exposed. I wouldn't be going faster than I can tuck and roll when I do that, and yes I know I shouldn't.

But experience has taught me that full face helmets are a must on the road. At 30mph I hit the floor, my helmet did its job without it I would have given myself a shave, most likely down to the bone. In the end I had a trip in the back of an ambulance and a chipped elbow. Could have been much worse with out a helmet on.