US: Michigan to repeal helmet law?

**Bob** · 3rd June 2006, 00:22

Michigan is on the verge of repealing the state's 37-year-old mandatory motorcycle helmet law.

According to an informal poll of state lawmakers, it looks like the Michigan House of Representatives has the number of votes needed. Senate Bill 297 would remove the mandatory helmet requirement for all riders and passengers 21 or older, but does not require motorcycle riders to carry personal injury protection insurance coverage.

**Karma** · 3rd June 2006, 00:24

mmmm...

Gotta love americans..

**cruxis** · 4th June 2006, 01:23

I am all for choice, Wouldnt work here though, I suspect ACC charges would go through the roof. But of course I'd always wear a helmet myself even if I did have the option not to wear one.

But then again I might not.

I might get lazy and not wear a helmet when doing a quick diary run. I have jumped on my bike a few times not wearing a helmet by accident. I always relize my mistake after hit over 30kph, Wind blowing over my whole face through hair sees to that.

**James Deuce** · 4th June 2006, 07:51

You know it came to me the other day, riding home from work, that one of the reasons I got into bikes was because all my boyhood heroes were, Racers (car and bike), Astronauts, and Pilots. The common theme is they all have cool helmets. Therefore I'm only riding bikes because I get to wear a helmet.

Funny, eh?

**RT527** · 4th June 2006, 09:12

And if youve ever seen Jim2 in a helmet, youll Know what he`s talking bout!

**sunhuntin** · 5th June 2006, 14:42

Originally Posted by cruxis

I am all for choice, Wouldnt work here though, I suspect ACC charges would go through the roof. But of course I'd always wear a helmet myself even if I did have the option not to wear one.

But then again I might not.

I might get lazy and not wear a helmet when doing a quick diary run. I have jumped on my bike a few times not wearing a helmet by accident. I always relize my mistake after hit over 30kph, Wind blowing over my whole face through hair sees to that.

given the choice...id go without, but only for short rides. ive also jumped on the bike, put her in gear, thinking "the engine sounds clearer today...wonder why......HELMET!" lol. ive never actually taken off without it.

**Jantar** · 5th June 2006, 15:01

I used to like the old law here in NZ. Helmets were not compulsory at speeds less than 30 mph (48 kmh). On hot summer days I would often cruise back country roads at low speed and just enjoy the wind through my hair. At higher speeds on went the helmet, and around town it was always on with the helmet.

**Ixion** · 5th June 2006, 17:44

I wore a helmet in the days before they were compulsory. But I never did (and doon't) agree with the compulsion. Same with seat belts. Fair enough to have the compulsory fitments, but wearing them should be optional. But I always did if they were there even when you didn't have to.

**Kickaha** · 5th June 2006, 17:57

Originally Posted by Ixion

But I never did (and doon't) agree with the compulsion. Same with seat belts. Fair enough to have the compulsory fitments, but wearing them should be optional.

optional? Not unless the person not wearing the helmet\seatbelt pays for there own injuries in case of accident

**Jantar** · 5th June 2006, 18:02

Originally Posted by Kickaha

optional? Not unless the person not wearing the helmet\seatbelt pays for there own injuries in case of accident

If you just said "head injuries" I might have agreed with you. But how does wearing a helmet prevent prevent broken legs, broken ribs, dislocated shoulders etc? These are all injuries I have suffered, yet I have never even scratched a helmet in a crash.

**SARGE** · 5th June 2006, 19:02

Originally Posted by Bob

Michigan is on the verge of repealing the state's 37-year-old mandatory motorcycle helmet law.

According to an informal poll of state lawmakers, it looks like the Michigan House of Representatives has the number of votes needed. Senate Bill 297 would remove the mandatory helmet requirement for all riders and passengers 21 or older, but does not require motorcycle riders to carry personal injury protection insurance coverage.

in Ohio.. you only have to wear a helmet in the first 12 months of your license... but cagers watch for us over there ..

**Bob** · 9th June 2006, 00:02

State lawmakers repealed Michigan's 37-year-old mandatory motorcycle helmet law on 7th June. Only a veto by Governor Jennifer Granholm can prevent the helmet repeal from taking place.

**Motu** · 9th June 2006, 08:06

What are the reasons for the appeal? Someone must of put up a good case.I liked our old system too,it allowd you the choice of what you wore...I always wore a helmet on the open road and off road,just around town I didn't wear one.Like Jantar I came off many times without my head touching the ground.We didn't have ACC back then either,that came with Norm Kirk around the same time as the new helmet law.

**Ixion** · 9th June 2006, 09:44

Presumably there is no law actually preventing anyone from wearing a helmet? So where is the problem?

**WRT** · 9th June 2006, 10:18

Originally Posted by Bob

Senate Bill 297 would remove the mandatory helmet requirement for all riders and passengers 21 or older, but does not require motorcycle riders to carry personal injury protection insurance coverage.

So the lawmakers no longer force you to wear a helmet, nor carry personal injury insurance?

Oh well, its on their head . . .

. . . or not, as the case may be.