I tried not to get into this one but.....
Nothing seems to fuel the fire more than the word "helmet".
The key to safety is where you put you and your bike, and whether you have the basic skills and intelligence to ride one. Maybe it was just my youth, but I never felt riding a bicycle was "dangerous", even when doing group rides or racing, say, from 1975 to 1985. No one really thought a hairnet was of much use, but then again, we did everything possible to NOT fall.
It was a different activity back then, and the mantra, "ride a straight line", is something that has long been forgotten. I daresay that toe clips and straps acted as a filter, keeping the less coordinated off of bikes (and certainly, out of packs). We rode slower, were concerned as to how our riding affected others, and listened to those who came before us.
John Franklin is a UK cycling advocate and has his own take on the activity. He's compiled tons of research on risk taking, helmets, mandatory helmet laws and it's effect on the activity, etc.
By the way, both Brian Baylis and I got started in the 70's at Como and Skypark. We both agree that today's massive pileups (and resulting injury), was something we did not have back then.....almost no one got hurt. And getting hurt was not a badge of honor, as some view it today. Having the nickname "Scar", was not flattering.
Wes Oishi
Los Angeles CA
USA