I totally agree. To me parents that don't wear a helmet set a bad example for their kids. It's like saying: "You need to wear this because you are a kid. It's not necessary when you grow up." Kids learn by example more than anything else.

When I see a family out riding and the parents aren't wearing helmets I usually slow down and say something, to the kids if I can, like "that's a pretty/cool helmet, I hope your mom/dad gets one like it." I am usually very much a live and let live sort of person and to me if you don't wear a helmet you live with the consequences. I choose to wear one, others can do as they please. But when it comes to parents setting a bad example for kids, I can't shut my trap.

That said, it's something we see rarely here. There are so many good parents that do a great job of teaching their kids good safety habits and trail etiquette. It's too bad that not all parents understand the dangers of riding without a helmet and how their actions may appear to their kids.

Anne