Well, I don't myself ride (always wanted to though!), but if I did, I would always wear a helmet.  It's for my own protection.

However, I do think that motorcyclists should be allowed to make that decision themselves.  As I said earlier, if they go down, they're not going to do any harm to anyone else.

This is different than a car.  If you're in a wreck, and not wearing your seatbelt, you run the risk of being knocked from behind the wheel.  This is the only place you can be and try to regain control of the vehicle, which, if out of control, is nothing more than a 3,000 pound weapon.

And to answer the one question posted above...here in New York, they can't stop you to do a seatbelt check, that would be a violation of the "probable cause" law.  However, if you're pulled over for ANYTHING, rest assured that they sweep their eyes around the "cabin" for seatbelt use.

Also periodically you'll see checkpoints.  They claim they're checking inspections and registrations, but they also often scan inside for seatbelts and now the dreaded cell phone.