Don't you assume that hard hat areas contain extra dangers? Else why the hard hat rule?
Nope never assume, agreed they are generally in an area where there is greater risk of injury but hard hat areas are safe and getting safer over time, they have seen a decrease in accidents. Workers in this environment are more focussed, better trained and understand their work area as well as what too do.
Your statement is disingenuous to a vast number of the entrants as you have concluded that the event is "full" of dangerous riders. There indeed will be some but the majority will be safe. I am more than happy to cycle with a helmet on in a group of clubmen/experienced cyclists where we all know what to do rather than a gang of week-end warriors who think they are part of a pro team and the hobby cyclist, both groups cannot hold a wheel and behave in a group. Been wiped out by both, never been wiped out by a clubman (or indeed woman). I suspect that clubmen will outnumber both of the other groups combined.
It's not standard practice and there are plenty of events without it, although maybe most paid events do now, thanks to the twin cancers of ambulance-chasers and British Cycling moving into fun rides.
