"If God spanks me for riding without a helmet, so be it."
I had a bike that I used almost exclusively for commuting to work during the mid 90's. Put about 34000 miles on it. I'd ridden bikes since 68. One grey morning in 96 I came around a curve for probably the 500th time. The fine pebbles spilled on the road blended in perfect. I was on the inside lane, and thankfully, no oncoming traffic. Wiped out, smacked my head pretty good. The helmet was trash. The bike was operational, so I went on to work. My boss told me to go home, but outside of a few bruises, I felt fine and stayed.
I've always used a helmet, appreciating the years since that crash, enjoying my family, and just plain living.
You can't live life to the fullest if you're dead.
I'm not sayin' I'd ride exclusively without a helmet. I'm just saying I want it to be MY choice, MY fault. The government has no right to assist insurance companies.
I hate seeing little kids riding their bicycles with helmets, elbow pads, knee pads, etc., etc., just because the government says so. (Now try and have fun in that equipment.)
Big brother is teaching them earlier and earlier.