I couldn't agree more with Cindy. As an ocasional Harley rider, I wouldn't go five feet on the bike without my helmet...heck, I wish I had a seat belt and air bags to boot! While I love the open air feeling of riding, I'm the first to admit that it is dangerous, and riding without a helmet, well, that just isn't smart. Many bikers agree with Cindy...please don't get the impression the no-helmet bikers are even in the majority (there is no measure of who is for and who is against, but I have a strong feeling most bikers still wear helmets).
I try to stay on two lane roads, always take the "back way in" (for example, my office is on Woodward Ave. in Birmingham, but I take Adams to Lincoln, cross Woodward, and take the back streets in to my office), and drive extremely defensively...heck, even at that, I'm cut off frequently..even with all my lights on etc. When I see no-helmet bikes flying down Woodward at 50+...well, I always pause a second and hope they make it home safely.
My opinions on this could run on for pages, but I'll let it be for now!
Steve Harms