Nebraska Bill Would Give Motorcyclists the Choice to Not Wear a Helmet

OFF THE WIRE
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ac/20110215/tr_ac/7866480_nebraska_bill_would_give_motorcyclists_the_choice_to_not_wear_a_helmet
Nebraska Bill Would Give Motorcyclists the Choice to Not Wear a Helmet
Sarah F. Sullivan Sarah F. Sullivan – Tue Feb 15, 6:08 pm ET Contribute content like this. Start here. Nebraska's current 22-year motorcycle helmet law has been recently called into question. Introduced by Omaha Sen. Bob Krist on Jan. 6, LB52 would repeal the current law, allowing riders to have the freedom to choose to wear or not wear their protective head gear. The Nebraska chapter of the group ABATE, American Bikers Aiming Toward Education, is particularly outspoken about the issue, arguing for "freedom of choice for bikers in Nebraska."

What would change with LB52?

Nebraska's current motorcycle helmet laws require that all riders wear helmets. LB52 would allow bikers 21 and older the freedom to choose whether or not to wear a helmet but would require them to use eye protection. A person who was exempt from wearing a helmet would then have the words "helmet not required" printed on his or her Class M operator's license. However, another change would allow a person ages 15 to 20 the choice to not wear a helmet as long as he or she successfully completed a motorcycle safety course and carried proof of this completion.

What are the current state laws for motorcycle helmets?

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 20 states and the District of Columbia have motorcycle helmet laws that require all riders to wear a helmet. Twenty-seven states have laws that only require some riders to wear a helmet. This stipulation varies ("17 and younger," "20 and younger"). Three states (Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire) do not have a motorcycle helmet law.

Nebraska is part of the 20 states that requires all riders to wear helmets.

What is ABATE?

According to its website, American Bikers Aiming Toward Education is a nonprofit organization comprised of self-described motorcycle enthusiasts. Created in the early 1970s, the group's goals are to "keep motorcyclists, members, and the public informed, to promote safe riding habits, and to encourage favorable legislation for motor cyclists ... (it) works with motorcycle rights organizations across the country to stop unfair legislation aimed at motorcycle riders."

What is the reasoning behind ABATE's stance?

The main goal behind ABATE is education. The group tries to lobby for the well-being of motorcyclists by urging safe riding habits, rider training, motorcycle awareness for the general public, safe road conditions and age limits on passengers. Even in its website's "About Us" section, ABATE indicates it believes in a freedom of choice for individuals to make their personal life choices as well as choose their type of motorcycle and the type of safety equipment they wear.

During LB52's hearing before the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee on Feb. 14, supporters of the bill cited they didn't think the government should make motorcyclists' choices for them, and that if the law were repealed, the state would gain more tourism dollars from riders who avoid Nebraska altogether due to its current law.

As of yet, it is uncertain when exactly the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee will make a decision about LB52.

Sarah F. Sullivan has served as a freelance journalist and editor for small Nebraska publications for the past three years, utilizing her diverse reporting experience in Nebraska politics, education, and arts and culture to bring out the colors and flavors of the Heartland.