Legislation aimed at protecting people from themselves concerns the individual as well as the public in general. protective helmet laws are just one example of such legislation. should individuals be allowed to engage in unsafe activities if they choose to do so?

No, individuals should not be allowed to engage in unsafe activities even if they choose to do so because this may bring chaos to the society. The laws and rules in every country are established for the common good of the people. If they choose to engage in unsafe activities, they should be reprimanded because it will cause no good to them and to the people around them. Individuals should follow the rules and regulations established to protect them. It is not there to prohibit them from what they want but it is for them to be protected. It is there to protect the general welfare of the people.