FYI, there are states in the US that don't require motorcycle helmets, which is also part of that bickering.

In terms of risk... a head injury is a head injury... it doesn't necessarily matter how fast you're going or on what vehicle.

I spent 4 years living in Vietnam. Helmets are mandatory there, but few people wear ones that would actually help you in an accident. They just wear a plastic cap that gets past the law. Other countries in SE Asia are similar.

There are some things in life that you don't get a choice about, so that more often than not you get to go home to your family and so you're not a burden on your public health system.

But I understand your point, either way, Bicycles share the road with motorists and can be hit by a car in the same way a motorcyclist would.