Ann Arbor area residents react to possible repeal of motorcycle helmet law

Biker Rights Issues

Since he first began riding motorcycles seriously in 1994, Saline resident Hank Taylor has had the chance to ride through all but four of the 50 states.

So he knows first-hand the draw that cross country riding has for motorcycle riders. And he knows how big of a deterrent a motorcycle helmet law can be for many riders in deciding whether to visit a state.

Especially, he notes, when neighboring states like Ohio and Indiana are “states of choice,” and those without helmets have to turn around at the Michigan state line or risk a ticket.

“There are a lot more people on motorcycles these days than people realize,” Taylor said. “It’s a tourist issue.”

Michigan’s legislature is considering whether it should repeal the state’s helmet law for riders over the age of 21. Last Thursday, the state House passed a measure 63 to 46 to repeal a state law requiring motorcycle riders to wear a helmet. It will now be considered by the state Senate.

On Friday, the Michigan Department of Community Health released a statement against repealing the law, saying it would increase the number of serious injuries and deaths in motorcycle accidents. Gov. Jennifer Granholm has indicated she would veto a move to remove the helmet law.

“The decision to repeal the Michigan Helmet Law is completely misguided, and it is a disservice to the people of Michigan,” said Janet Olszewski, director of the state health department. “The current law protects motorcycle riders from serious and in many cases fatal injury. If this law is removed, there will be great potential for more injuries and deaths related to motorcycle accidents.”

Many of those cases would be uncompensated care or billed to Medicaid, which means the general Michigan population would be left to pay the bill, the statement from the state said.

Joe Knopp, vice president of Ann Arbor Insurance Centre, which sells motorcycle insurance, said repealing the law would almost certainly raise insurance premiums for motorcycle riders. “I can’t see how it wouldn’t because losses will increase,” he said.

Data on motorcycle accidents supports requiring motorcycle riders to wear helmets. “Helmets are good. They save lives and decrease the severity of injuries we see in motorcycle injuries,” Knopp said.

However, motorcycle rights groups have questioned the accuracy of government data that indicates large increases of injury rates in states that don't have helmet laws. They also say while there are safety benefits from using helmets while riding, helmets also carry safety risks and can decrease ridership.

For his part, Taylor said he'd likely keep wearing a helmet even if the law was repealed because he’s used to wearing one by now. And it provides a place for him to hang his CB radio.

Taylor said he thinks those who choose to take the increased risk of riding without a helmet shouldn't be included in the catastrophic insurance fund.

But riders should still have the option, he said, particularly when helmets do provide a limited risk reduction, he said.

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