I've noticed more and more messengers wearing helmets here in Seattle. A lot of them opt for skate style helmets, but that's OK. Apparently the agencies are starting to require it. About time...

Some of those justifications on rules-breaking are a little valid. Bikes really are subject to inertia. It isn't that cars aren't - that's a vehicle's most inefficient time, stopping and starting - it's just that the rules are set up for vehicles where the operator doesn't really notice. I'd bet you that if the percentages of driver vs. rider were flipflopped, then the laws would change too!