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While this tip may sound like a no-brainer, as Warren McLaren of TreeHugger explains, there are some that challenge the logic of wearing a bike helmet. McLaren cites a study by Dr. Ian Walker, a traffic psychologist at the UK's University of Bath, which found that passing cars got 8.5 cm (3.35 inches) closer to cyclists wearing a helmet than to those without one. "The idea that helmeted cyclists are more experienced and less likely to do something unexpected would explain why drivers leave less space when passing," surmised Dr. Walker.
Most statistics suggest a different perspective. For example, another study found almost three-quarters of fatal crashes (74%) in New York involved a head injury and nearly all bicyclists who died (97%) were not wearing a helmet. It seems clear that helmets = safety and it doesn't take a brain surgeon to recognize this. But just in case, Dr. Charles Tator--a brain surgeon--has also found helmets to be 85% effective in preventing head injury.
