I want anyone to add ideas about this topic. I live in Australia and I firmly believe that it should be the choice of the cyclist to choosed whether or not they wear a helmet. If they are hurt then that is their responsibilty. Their was even a study conducted by a traffic psychologist, Dr Walker, were he had heaps of equipment on his bike to measure how far from him cars were when he was overtaken. He wore a helmet half the time, and spent the other half without a helmet. On average, cars stayed a furthur 9cm away from him and his bike when he wasn't wearing a helmet. He was hit twice, both times when wearing a helmet, and what does this prove? That wearing a bicycle helmet puts you at more risk at being struck by a car, than when you are without a helmet. And there is also evidence that showed that the amount of cyclists on the road decreased after the compuslory helmet lawd were introduced in Australia. As well as this, when the law was introduced in Aussie states in 1991, it wasn't because there was extensive research proving that helmets would make cyclists safer, and decrease road injuries and fatalities. No, it was because the Federal Government in Canberra threatened the state governments. They said that if the states didn't introduce the law, then they would cut their road funding. Well, that is my opinion, or part of it at least. I don't yet know what side I will be on for the debate, but I hope it is afffirmative. Any replies with your opinions would be appreciated, no matter what your opinion is, no matter if it is or isn't mandatory where you live. Please provided evidence or facts if possible!!!