In response to Shonna Days' Nov. 12 column arguing in favor of mandatory bicycle helmet laws, your last paragraph says it all: "Nationally, a helmet law would save the government money and at least 20 lives per year..."

I'd venture to say mandating that everybody wear bulletproof vests at all times would save far more than 20 lives a year, but the suggestion is easily seen for what it is -- ridiculous. Government cannot and should not legislate all risk out of your day-to-day life. If you want to wear a bicycle helmet, do so. If, as you mentioned, you can't provide the self-discipline to do so, then take your chances.