Right, so we&#x27;re talking about the same NZ, so no cycling-related policy as enacted there should be used as a positive example of how to enable cycling (or cutting off reliance on cars as the only mode of transport, but that&#x27;s another discussion).<p>People <i>didn&#x27;t</i> &#x27;get over&#x27; it, there are very few cyclists there (rightfully, because you&#x27;d have to be insane to drive a bicycle for e.g. the commute through Hamilton I used to have, which is not even a big or busy city, although in terms of distance it would have been perfectly fine). All these things exacerbate each other - the lack of bike lanes, the lack of awareness by car drivers, compulsory helmet wearing, lack of supply of suitable bicycles and supplies, lack of legal protection of cyclists, ...<p>Bike helmets are not just vanity a problem:<p><pre><code>   - where do you put your helmet when you arrive?
   - ho do you prevent looking unsightly after you arrive? Hair gets smashed, sweat builds up, helmets and straps leave impressions on your face, ...
   - additional cost and general cognitive overhead
</code></pre>
All in all, bicycle helmets have very few benefits, benefits which are absolutely negated by their negative consequence - <i>especially</i> having helmets being required by law.