I use the bell to protect the bikes. If I had a useful brain, I'd probably wear a helmet to protect it, but if I was that smart, I probably would realize that riding is a dangerous hobby and would not ride at all. I enjoy riding lidless so much that I am willing to take the risk and never wear a helmet unless I am in a state requiring one, and I take great efforts to avoid states that require them.
Don't believe the bell hype and don't run a helmet for the reasons rh8234 listed above. I too try hard to avoid the surrounding states that require a helmet.
I marked neither because if i had a choice i wouldn't have done either. But, bells were gifts so they're on and the helmet is the law in this state so it's on.
somewhere there was a scientific study that if you have a bell, there is no need for a helmet.
also heard that some states are going to mandate that every bike has to have a bell. course, it will have to be an approved Snell or EPA authorized bell.