What would you do?

[metallyguitarded_imp]

I recently returned from Albuquerque, New Mexico where my wife and I visited family and attended the International Balloon Fiesta. What an amazing experience that was! While there I noticed a number of riders without helmets. I tried to make a mental note of roughly how many wore helmets vs. how many didn't and my impression was that a little more than half of the riders I saw had helmets on.

I wondered what I would do if California didn't require a helmet. I didn't wonder long, however, and quickly knew that I'd more than likely always choose to wear one. I thought why not ask all of you for your thoughts. Are you in a state where helmets are optional and, if so, what do you do? If you're in a state where helmets are mandatory, do you resent it or embrace it? If given the choice, what would you do?

[c-breezy_imp]

Younger me never wore a helmet when I would rent scooters in Hawaii. Current me would rock one now no matter what. I'm just happy I didn't die back then!

[redbirds_imp]

I've always worn a helmet, always will. It's like wearing a seat belt when driving, I just don't feel right until I'm buckled up. On two occasions a helmet has saved me from serious injury.

[use2b_imp]

they are not required in Florida but i always wear one , that gives the Harley riders one more reason to not like me

waves both ways with sport bikes but the scuzzy looking old dudes with no helmet and all their badges i do not even bother anymore.

helmets save lives

[emptysea]

Illinois - No helmet required. Rode to the gas station one time without a helmet and got a rash of Sh*t from my wife and I think she was correct for doing so. I where a full face helmet whenever I ride. On some hot days, I remove the visor screen and just go with sunglasses (I don't have the cool goggles like MG does--YET).

I like that Illinois is a helmet-optional state. It's your cranium and you're not hurting anyone else by not wearing one (unless you count the feelings of those you leave behind).

[curlyjoe]

I always wear a helmet. Helmets aren't required in NH but I see about half the riders wearing them. The half that don't are mostly Harley riders.

[johnf514_imp]

The bugs in FL alone make it a wise to pop on a lid. I always wear a full face.

[the Ferret]

No helmet required here. I may skip a jacket, I may skip gloves, I may skip armored pants. I never skip a helmet. The only piece of equipment designed to actually save your life. the rest just prevent scabs and broken bones.

[LongRanger_imp]

There's no helmet law in Colorado either, though you are required to wear protective lenses. Personally, I wouldn't think of even sitting on my bike without a helmet. I'd say about half the riders here don't wear one. Rarely will I see a HD rider wear a helmet, but lately I've seen a number of Goldwing and K1200LT /K1600LT riders without them. That always results in a double take and a shake of the head in disapproval. And then we get the helmetless immortal squids weaving through traffic at 90 mph with nothing more than jeans and an untucked t-shirt flapping wildly in the wind. More disapproval.

[PowerDubs_imp]

I don't get on the bike without all my gear. When people say ATGATT, I am a friggin stormtrooper.

tall armored boots
leather pants with hip & knee/shin armor
leather jacket with elbow, shoulder, full spine and chest armor
long armored gloves
helmet