> Also, note that the safest places in the world for cycling (Netherlands, Denmark) have very low helmet usage They are are safest for cycling because the law

> Also, note that the safest places in the world for cycling (Netherlands, Denmark) have very low helmet usage They are are safest for cycling because the law went to such an extent to protect cyclists to the disadvantage of pedestrians and drivers. Most times there's basically 0 legal recourse when the cyclist is actually to blame. All the burden is put on the other traffic participants. As an eye witness (an victim) of multiple accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians I can tell you that many times the best you get after being hit by a bike that was doing something illegal is some swear words while they pedal away. I've been hit by a guy who was texting with both hands while riding his bike over a pedestrian crossing and he just pedaled away. They have no incentive to behave better, the law is on their side and there are almost no repercussions (fines, suspended license, etc.). Even when the law has provisions for this the application will be extremely lenient. And if you live in a country where privacy laws prevent you from using any dash-cam recording in court you're royally screwed as a driver in almost every case. And pedestrians are royally screwed from all sides because they lose to both drivers and cyclists. And why enforce different safety and education rules than for drivers? Why enforce a safety belt for people in a car but not a helmet for people on the bike? Even the lightest accident can turn into death if you're not wearing a helmet, even when nobody else is involved. If you don't care about your life how can you expect others to?