[BCM43]

This really hits it. A helmet isn't some all protective force field. If a truck is going to run you over, a helmet isn't going to save you.

Actually: http://www.active.com/cycling/Articles/Bike_helmet_crushed__...

But, in general your point is correct. There are some dramatic examples where a bike helmet saved someones life, but statically it is unlikely.

[JoeAltmaier]

Must be a luck-signularity around where I live. I know several people saved by bike helmets, from small crashes of 2 bikes or bike vs immovable object. One happened last Saturday on an asphalt bike trail with no obstruction - the young man just went down and landed on his head. Busted his helmet all to hell. Got up and got back on his bike.

Lots of statistics thrown around here, and my anecdotes are not statistics, but they are a heck of a lot closer to actionable information that hot air. As for me, I don't regard a helmet as making bicycling seem dangerous, any more than wearing a raincoat makes walking outside seem dangerous. Its just part of my equipment, like the water bottle.