by Noël McLaren
The law could be repealed by a bill that has already passed the Senate..
KINGSFORD -- For more than 50 years, motorcyclists in Michigan have been required to wear helmets, but now that law could be repealed.
Opponents of the helmet law argue that most U.S. states don't require the use of helmets, 30 to be exact. But those in support of the helmet law argue Michigan is ahead of the curve when it comes to safety, and safety should come first.
The ABATE group, or American Bikers Aiming Towards Education, say wearing a helmet should be a decision up to them, not the state.
“All of our surrounding states are freedom of choice,” said ABATE regional director, Gerry Spomer. “Michigan's the only Great Lakes state that still requires helmets.”
ABATE says helmets pose a number of limitations on both safety and our economy. They claim helmets restrict vision and hearing and restrict tourism; bikers are more attracted to neighboring states that don't require helmets.
“We did an economic impact study and showed that Michigan is missing out on almost $54 million a year in tourism,” Spomer said.
But motorcycle safety advocates say the helmet law in Michigan is fine just the way it is, and they have the AAA’s support; in fact, they just completed a survey back in March which says that 86 percent of voters today are in support of the helmet law the way it is.
“There is no good argument at all to not wear a helmet,” said Smarter National Motorcycle Safety organization board member, Rich Henrion. "It can keep you safer, it can keep you dryer, it can keep the dirt out of your contact lens. If you fall, it can save your good looks.”
Henrion is also a motorcycle instructor. He encourages his students to take wearing headgear as seriously as any other safety measure.
“If they want to repeal the helmet law, they should also be ready to repeal seatbelts, hunter orange, life jackets and all of those,” he said.
Obviously those are not options in Lansing right now, but opponents of the helmet law do have a bill that has already passed the Senate. The bill stipulates that you don't have to wear a helmet if you are 20 years or older, have been riding for at least two years, have taken an accredited motorcycle safety course, and carry an additional $100,000 worth of medical insurance. The bill goes to the House next. If it passes, it will go to Governor Snyder for his signature.
Opponents of the helmet law argue that most U.S. states don't require the use of helmets, 30 to be exact. But those in support of the helmet law argue Michigan is ahead of the curve when it comes to safety, and safety should come first.
The ABATE group, or American Bikers Aiming Towards Education, say wearing a helmet should be a decision up to them, not the state.
“All of our surrounding states are freedom of choice,” said ABATE regional director, Gerry Spomer. “Michigan's the only Great Lakes state that still requires helmets.”
ABATE says helmets pose a number of limitations on both safety and our economy. They claim helmets restrict vision and hearing and restrict tourism; bikers are more attracted to neighboring states that don't require helmets.
“We did an economic impact study and showed that Michigan is missing out on almost $54 million a year in tourism,” Spomer said.
But motorcycle safety advocates say the helmet law in Michigan is fine just the way it is, and they have the AAA’s support; in fact, they just completed a survey back in March which says that 86 percent of voters today are in support of the helmet law the way it is.
“There is no good argument at all to not wear a helmet,” said Smarter National Motorcycle Safety organization board member, Rich Henrion. "It can keep you safer, it can keep you dryer, it can keep the dirt out of your contact lens. If you fall, it can save your good looks.”
Henrion is also a motorcycle instructor. He encourages his students to take wearing headgear as seriously as any other safety measure.
“If they want to repeal the helmet law, they should also be ready to repeal seatbelts, hunter orange, life jackets and all of those,” he said.
Obviously those are not options in Lansing right now, but opponents of the helmet law do have a bill that has already passed the Senate. The bill stipulates that you don't have to wear a helmet if you are 20 years or older, have been riding for at least two years, have taken an accredited motorcycle safety course, and carry an additional $100,000 worth of medical insurance. The bill goes to the House next. If it passes, it will go to Governor Snyder for his signature.
