MI: ABATE not happy about insurance requirement tacked onto helmet repeal

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http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/06/abate_not_pleased_with_motorcy.html ABATE not happy about insurance requirement added to motorcycle helmet repeal
sizeMatt Dixon | For The Saginaw NewsThe Michigan Senate may have voted 24-14 to repeal the state's motorcycle helmet law but supporters of the repeal say an added insurance requirement is nothing short of excessive.
Vince Consiglio, president of the 20,000-member Michigan chapter of American Bikers Aiming Toward Education, or ABATE, said his group doesn't support the amendment requiring those who choose to ride without a helmet to purchase $100,000 in medical payment coverage.
"Not only is the insurance requirement way too high, it's unavailable from many insurance companies," Consiglio said.
Currently, medical coverage is optional, while the new requirement could cost riders who choose to not wear helmets about $1,000, according to a story from Booth's Lansing Bureau. If the law moves through the House and is signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder, riders age 21 and older would be able to ride motorcycles without a helmet.
For 42 years Michigan law has required riders to wear an approved U.S. Department of Transportation helmet when riding on public roads. There are 20 other states with laws requiring all bikers to wear helmets.
Sen. Roger Kahn, R-Saginaw Twp., fought for $250,000 in minimum coverage.
Consiglio said his group would fight to change the Senate's amendment when the measure moves into the House.
An independent study commissioned by ABATE found more than $1.2 billion would flow into Michigan through the sale of new motorcycles, parts, accessories and increased tourism.