Bycicle helmet?

I'm 24 and wondering, do I HAVE to wear a helmet while biking?
I live in Massachusetts.

No, but you'll wish you did if you have a mishap.

Setting aside your age and where you live is what makes me answer along the lines of most every one else. To me it doesn't seem as though you are asking this from a standpoint of legality, and even if you are then you 've been informed about that already. The fact that you're asking appears as though you want to know something *more* than just whether or not you're required by your state to wear one. So like most of the people who've chimed in already, get yourself a good one, put it on when you go riding and let it protect your face, eyes and brain like you never knew it could.

If you value your life, by all means, otherwise, knock yourself out and let your hair fly!

Actually depends on what kind of cycling you do really, Mountain biking & Road biking, definite must. Commuting and staying on sidewalks, not really unless your a nerd. Plus cyclists look cooler with sharp low profile helmets anyways. In either case, if your inquiring if its illegal, no, only if your under 16.

Check with your local laws on helmets.

Personally, I equate helmets to seat belt use. I don't ride without wearing one and I buy the best quality I can afford. After all...it's my head and I don't want to loose it!

Helmet use doesn't take the place of situational awareness and good handling skills. Should you have a mishap...it will aid in saving your skull.

Having had 4 head injuries over the course of a lifetime (1 car wreck, 2 horse accidents, 1 bike wreck).... wearing a helmet sure does lessen concussions, memory loss, swelling, etc.

Modern helmets help channel air to keep your head cool (cooler than without!), a simple helmet cover for winter helps keep your noggin' warmer and a skully will wick sweat and reduce sun exposure.

You're 24. But there's no law that says cars are not allowed to accicdently knock anyone over 16 off their bikes.

Accicdents can happen to anyone no matter how careful you try to be. Please wear your helmet because something might happen while your biking.

"There are two kind of bikers. Those that have crashed, and those that are going to crash"

only if you need your brain for the next 75 years. we all think we are immune to accidents, but remember you can't control SOMEONE ELSE'S STUPIDITY. s it happens to everyone. a dog took my friend down a few years ago and his helmet split like a halloween pumpkin. he had a concussion. i'm glad i didn't have to clean up his pumpkin off the road. besides, people that ride without helmets look like know-nothing geeks.

I have no doubts that you will indeed auger in sooner then later (We all do). Most of the time your laterals will be offered up to the friction gods of the pavement. The one time your coconut strikes, or slides across the pavement, you will be glad your wearing your brain bucket.

They really do work!

The Squirt is right-on here; whether its mandatory to wear a helmet or not, there is a reason they are called "accidents", and not "planned mishaps" ...

The way people drive in Massachusetts, I would wear a helmet whenever I'm cycling, anywhere I'm cycling. Boston drivers are a "special" breed.

HTH

It's personal choice. I don't want to start an argument but good bike handling skills and road awareness are more essential than wearing a helmet.

Enjoy your bike in your way.

Well, I know that where I live, you don't have to wear a bicycle helmet after the age of 16.