As a cyclist (the pedal kind) and a Pittsburgher, riding without a helmet in this city is looking for trouble. The pavement is uneven, the hills are steep, the traffic patterns are nutty, and you've got to deal with the yahoos who drive in this city. I commute 20-30 + miles a day to work on a bike, and if I had a dime for every time I've been yelled at to get on the sidewalk, I'd not have to show up at work. Truth is, I AM REQUIRED TO BE ON THE ROAD! Bicycle=car as far as the law is concerned. But people think because you're not driving a gas-guzzler or driving those suburban assault vehicles known as minivans, your safety isn't important (yes, I know that's an unfair judgement, but I'm venting).
OK, to be back on topic, YES, helmets should be mandatory for bicycles AND motorcycles.
And whoever said bike helmets are for wusses obviously never rode down Collier St in the aero position on a brand new Quintana Roo Kilo tri bike...bike computer said 47 MPH, street monitor sign said 46 (did I mention the speed limit is 30?). The USATriathlon council requires helmets for all racers as well. When all that's standing between you and some really unpleasant pavement is spandex and a carbon fibre frame...you learn to love the brain bucket.
To illustrate my point, here is a pic of the helmet of an aquaintance of mine who was hit by a car this passed weekend (He had right of way, car did not). He survived with just minor scrapes, but his bike frame was completely ruined (to the tune of nearly $9,500...yep, bikes cost that much).
