I think I first saw this argument on freakanomics, but there's a real debate in economic circles about things like helmets and whether or not they have are a ne

I think I first saw this argument on freakanomics, but there's a real debate in economic circles about things like helmets and whether or not they have are a net benefit regulation. Requiring helmets will have a negative impact on bicycle riding, at least theoretically, since it adds friction. Bicycle riding is generally considered a healthy form of exercise, and is generally considered as having a positive effect on long term health. So then the question is, is the friction causing lower long term health greater than the general health benefits of people wearing helmets who wouldn't otherwise. And related, do helmets actually save lives in the long run. I'm not sure this is an easy question to answer. I can certainly see requiring helmets as being an obvious thing to point at for lawmakers since first order effects of saving lives is fairly easy data to come across.