The police were wrong. Like I said, there's no guarantee it improves safety https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/article/20171126-Chris-Boardman-0
Compared to our European neighbours, UK commuter cyclists feel the need to wear what amounts to body armour in attempt to stay safe. Yet despite their efforts we have some of the highest cycling KSI rates (Killed or Seriously Injured) in Europe and they are increasing. That in itself should tell us something.
All over the world, countries with the highest use of safety gear are the most dangerous for cyclists. Wherever helmet use has been made compulsory, there has been no corresponding drop in head injury unless there is also a drop in cycling rates.
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/mar/21/bike-helmet-cyclists-safe-urban-warfare-wheels < a similar article, that goes further into the studies that shows how it can be more dangerous, i.e. less safe, to wear a helmet.
Well Mrs WS was saved a very serious head injury by her cycle helmet when her bike skidded on wet manhole cover, she came flying off, and hit her head on the kerb. The medical staff said it was lucky she was wearing a helmet. Helmet was a write off. Personally I'd always wear one and really don't understand why more people don't.
So in an attempt to keep my post in line with the topic - I think [MENTION=15363]Plooks[/MENTION] question ( minus the law bit ) is very valid.