BY RANDOLPH HALUZA-DELAY, BLAKE POLAND AND BYRON MILLER, EDMONTON JOURNAL
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In fact, the data show that pedestrians are more at risk than cyclists -based on injuries per distance travelled -but no one is proposing pedestrians wear helmets. Risks of cycling can be overstated. Injury statistics are already low for cycling. It is widely believed by European policymakers that mandatory helmet laws and even high-profile promotion of helmet use send the unintended signal that cycling is unsafe, which can deter people from riding. The St. Albert study and an Alberta-wide study published by the same researchers in another journal appear to show a reduction in adult ridership after helmet legislation took effect.
Other research shows that mandatory helmet legislation does reduce bicycle ridership, which is counterproductive.
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https://www.edmontonjournal.com/news/Broad+changes+just+helmets+bike+safety/4768949/story.htmloldId.20110513085814453