Proponents say the health issue outweighs any objections.
A vocal contingent showed up to protest when the Bainbridge Island City Council held a hearing on a proposed new ordinance to make wearing a bike helmet mandatory. The council is attempting to exert parental authority over adults, some said. And one threatened to sue. Greg Poels said he has ridden without a helmet for most of his adult life and has survived several crashes. But he suffers a hearing loss in his left ear, and a helmet makes it harder to hear cars coming from behind, he said.