If safety is your number one concern as a cyclist then you might want to think about leaving that helmet at home. A new study by Dr. Ian Walker, a traffic psychologist of the UK, claims that you are more likely to get hit by a car if you are male, and are wearing a helmet.

Dr. Walker conducted a series of tests with a device attached to his bike to determine how much distance cars give cyclists under certain circumstances. The tests included biking with and without a helmet, and wearing a wig to determine if more distance is given to women.

The test results concluded that if you are wearing a helmet, you are generally given less room from passing cars. Likewise if you are female, you are given even more room.

“We know helmets are useful in low-speed falls, and so definitely good for children, but whether they offer any real protection to somebody struck by a car is very controversial,” said Walker when asked whether he recommend cycling without a helmet.

Get more information about Dr. Walker’s study here. [bbc.co.uk]