[mysto]

It is NOT the government's place to force a citizen to do ANYTHING that is in their own best interest. The Constitution does not give the government the power to be our nanny.
It's true that the government cannot force anybody to do anything, but it can penalize someone for not following the reule of law.
The 10th Amendment to the Constitution gives to the states all powers not expressly given to Congress. It gives states the right to enact laws governing public health, safety and welfare. The courts have ruled that public safety is a compelling state interest that trumps individual liberty.
In other words, the state's need to protect public safety is more important than a motorcyclist's freedom to choose not to wear a helmet.

[clee1]

the state's need to protect public safety

The public's safety is not enhanced by seatbelt or helmet laws. The individual's safety is what is enhanced.

Again, I think only a fool would ride a motorcycle without a helmet (and leathers), or ride in an automobile without a seatbelt, or ride in a boat without a flotation device - but it should be the (adult) individual's choice to make.

How about skydiving, bungie-jumping, spelunking, scuba diving.... and I could go on for hours.... should the government be endlessly involved in the enforcement of safety in these inherently dangerous activities too?