MI: Readers gear up To push repeal of helmet law

OFF THE WIRE
http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20110225/NEWS01/102250319/Riders-gear-up-to-push-repeal-of-helmet-law
Riders gear up to push repeal of helmet law By Christopher Behnan • DAILY PRESS & ARGUS • February 27, 2011

 The time for motorcycle riders to be able to make an "adult, informed choice" about whether to wear a helmet is long overdue, according to an advocate of motorcycle-rider rights.

The ability to make that choice would require an amendment to the state's helmet-requirement law, and could be granted through state legislation introduced last month.

House Bill 4008 would make it legal for motorcycle riders age 21 and older to ride without wearing a helmet if they secure $20,000 in insurance for payment of first-party medical benefits in case of an accident.

Riders younger than 21 would still be required to wear a helmet, as required in current law.

American Bikers Aiming Toward Education of Michigan, or ABATE, has likely been the most vocal opponent of Michigan's helmet law.

Motorcycle riders should already have the $20,000 in medical coverage, regardless of the bill, said Mike Poage, motorcycle-awareness director for ABATE of Michigan.

"It's way past due. We're one of only 19 states in this country that require everybody to wear a helmet," Poage said.

"Michigan is far behind the times," he added.

Bill sponsor Rep. Richard LeBlanc, D-Westland, an avid motorcycle rider himself, said the goal of his bill is to allow adult motorcycle riders to decide for themselves whether to wear a helmet.

The state law requiring motorcycle riders to wear helmets dates back decades, and debates on the issue — with many riders protesting the law — followed as proposals similar to LeBlanc's surfaced from time to time in the past several years.

He called the issue a matter of "personality liberty," and said his goal isn't to discourage helmet use. LeBlanc said use of seat belts, too, should be left to drivers.

"You probably should wear them, but I don't think it should be required by law to wear them," he said.

LeBlanc said he feels he should be able to decide whether to wear a helmet on the less-than-a-mile trip to his local 7-11 as much as on the highway.

AAA Michigan, a longtime supporter of Michigan's helmet law, flatly opposes LeBlanc's bill, said spokeswoman Nancy Cain.