The type of cycling in Amsterdam is certainly different than what I see here in DC.  In Amsterdam, most bikes are the classic &quot;Dutch&quot; style utility bike - slow, stable, and easy to step down&#x2F;off the bike.  Here in DC, cyclists are almost universally on some variant of the &quot;10 speed&quot; - most with drop bars, higher COG, and higher average speeds.<p>As a cyclist myself, I ride with or without helmet based on conditions. On my road bike or mountain bike? Helmet, always - I&#x27;ve had enough concussions to know I don&#x27;t want another. My cruiser - usually no helmet, but it&#x27;s use is almost exclusively below 10mph and on a bike trail, not roads.