Here's an odd one that I include, because vintage lightweight riders wear helmets, too. The Times of London reports...
"CYCLISTS who wear helmets are more likely to be knocked off their bicycles than those who do not, according to research.
Motorists give helmeted cyclists less leeway than bare-headed riders because they assume that they are more proficient. They give a wider berth to those they think do not look like proper cyclists, including women, than to kitted-out lycra-clad warriors. "--TimesOnline
Hmmmmm. One way around this would be to wear more subdued attire with a quiter helmet and so avoid being a target...or a dress :-), as the story suggests women fare better than men.
Of course the story fails to note that riders often fall for other reasons that a car hit and so a helmet is still desirable for those situations.
Finally, if I have to get knocked off a bike by a car more often than those without helmets, I'd still rather hit the pavement with my helmet than my bare head.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/
Don Wilson Los Olivos, CA USA
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