David Cameron should be applauded for his topless bike ride to work

Some might argue that there are plenty of reasons to dislike - or disapprove of - David Cameron. I couldn't possibly comment. But cycling without a helmet? For me, that's just not one of them.

Within - seemingly - half an hour of Cameron being photographed this morning pedalling from his London home to the House of Commons, wearing a reflective belt but insouciantly bare-headed, the criticism began.

The Conservative leader should have been "setting a good example" by wearing a lid, the head injuries charity Headway said. "We are deeply disappointed," a spokesman said. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents also weighed in, saying it always encouraged cyclists to wear helmets.

Now, I have a couple questions about Cameron's ride to work this morning. Firstly, why hang the unused helmet from the handlebars? Is he planning a few pints later and wants to play it safe on the commute home? Plus, why is one of his bike escorts wearing what looks like 1970s-style skateboard safety gear (check out the retro elbow pad)? But when it comes to the bare head, plus everyday-looking clothes, I have no quibbles.

I've heard the for-and-against arguments over helmets more times than I care to remember. I wear a lid more or less every time I get on a bike, a habit that makes me feel exposed whenever I am cycling topless. But I'm resolutely against any moves towards compulsion, even of the guilt-based, you-should-set-an-example-to-others sort.

It was only last month that Jersey passed a law making it compulsory for all under-18s to wear helmets when cycling, in my view an absurd piece of legislation.

Here's Roger Geffen from the national cyclists' organisation CTC, who puts the arguments better than I ever could:

The idea that it is somehow 'dangerous' and 'irresponsible' to cycle without a helmet is a total myth. It merely puts people off cycling and contributes to the increase in the level of obesity and other inactivity-related illnesses, which kill tens of thousands of people every year. If we are to encourage people to take up cycling – with all its benefits for our health, our streets, our environment and our wallets – then we need to promote it as a safe and enjoyable way to get around for day-to-day travel, wearing normal clothes.

This isn't something you're likely to hear very often from Guardian any other time during the election, and I stress it's a single issue-only accolade, but here goes: three cheers for Cameron.