It looked like such a small thing when I got it out of the boot of the car this morning. I would have sworn that when I looked at it in A&E yesterday, high on adrenaline and endorphins, there was a deep V-shaped gash in its front. Of course, it's done exactly what it was supposed to, dissipating energy over a wider area than just the impact site thereby lessening the damage to my head. I shudder to think how this would have turned out if I hadn't been wearing it.

Of course, there are those who will argue that helmets are unecessary, that they do nothing to stop motorists from hitting bicycles. True, but in the event that you are hit, wouldn't you rather be protected? You've only got - and will only ever get - one brain, and it needs to be looked after.

Wear a helmet.