I have to agree with teacher about the mandatory need for a helmet.

I was 3rd on the scene of a van vs pedal bike accident last summer where the cyclist pretty much torn his forehead off. I later helped the police officer clean up the scence and found the guys helmet, it had a big chunk taken out of the front of it proabaly by the metal bumper of the van. I would have hated to seen the cyclists injuries if the helmet had not cushioned the first impact.

By the way the guy was OK and released from the hospital a few days later with a very nasty scar across his forehead; he posted a nice Thank You letter in our local paper to all those who helped out.

Mike