Bicycle commuter for about 10yrs now. Yes, the good mood dividend is wonderful! I do find a helmet essential, having been knocked over by a motorist. But I’m also conflicted by recent studies showing that helmeted cyclists are dehumanized by motorists. On the other hand, walking into a place with helmet in hand is a great conversation starter: " you rode here?!?" 😎
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1369847823001018