Using My Helmet

[jtpedersen]

One thing has been very interesting since Michigan's helmet law was revised.

I have had a number of people stop me in the parking lot to offer their opinion, ask me my own thoughts, as well as simply compliment me on using mine. I've even had people, stopped at traffic lights, roll down their windows to tell me what they thought and congratulate me (us, another w/Krystal on ride home Tuesday night) for using it.

Anyone else experiencing this? The outspoken public seems to clearly favor our using our helmets. I've not had a single comment to the contrary.

You?

[TN2Wheeler]

In my experience the only people who think not wearing a helmet is a good idea is a subset of the cruiser crowd who seem to equate motorcycles with "freedom". I haven't ever quite gotten that but they are a loud (both figuratively and literally) and vocal group who somehow they get the attention of state legislators. There's a revised helmet law being discussed in our state house now. I sent letters to my representives expressing my concern but I'm quite sure I'm in the minority in their mail stack.

Jim Randall

[RIDEMYST]

We have had the helmet optional law here in Florida for over a decade.
Interesting that the high safety standards crowd that says "loud pipes saves lives" are the same group that opts out on wearing helmets. -JEP-

[strey1100]

We have had the helmet optional law here in Florida for over a decade.
Interesting that the high safety standards crowd that says "loud pipes saves lives" are the same group that opts out on wearing helmets. -JEP-

Is that the same group standing in the shallow end of the gene pool?

[DirtFlier]

[...the high safety standards crowd that says "loud pipes saves lives" are the same group that opts out on wearing helmets...]

Peter Egan who writes a nice column in both Cycle World and Road & Track once made a comment in writing about the loud pipe myth. He said that if loud pipes truly saved lives then your insurance company should offer a significant discount. With permission from Cycle World, I made copies of that editorial and had it as a handout for RiderCourse students at the Rider Ed Ctr.

The need to wear a helmet is just good common sense.

JT - has MI reverted to having a full helmet law?

Before I retired as a Safety Weenie, I know that more and more states were considering making the change once the political landscape was favorable. There are now years of overwhelming data that head injuries in motorcycle accidents have dramatically increased since the repeal of helmet laws in most states.

Tosh

[jtpedersen]

Greetings,

Michigan's helmet law is largely open now, with certain limitations. I'm not fully up to speed...because I dont plan on 'not' riding w/o my helmet. In essence, under 21, need a helmet. 21+, with minimal insurance and some rider education, it's up to you.

[roadPilot]

At least 21 years of age, must carry $20K (minimum) additional medical insurance coverage on your cycle policy, and either have had your cycle endorsement for over 2 years or have passed a motorcycle safety course.

Oddly, there is no requirement that a rider carry proof of the additional medical coverage, nor the safety course.

Finally, you can not be stopped simply because you are not riding with a helmet and might *not* have met the above requirements, as that doesn't amount to reasonable suspicion (that you are breaking a law).

[Rain rider]

JT,

when I left the meeting Tuesday night I fueled up a mile east. There was an "American made" cruiser at the gas station at the same time. When he left, I noticed that not only were his pipes exceptionally loud (and he used large quantities of throttle to maximize this), the extent of his safety gear was bib overalls. He did not stop and chat with me like many motorcyclist do.

This gent aside, I still see most riders wearing helmets. I freely offer my encouragement to all on this subject. I further think Darwin would equate this law to adding chlorine to the gene pool.

Ride safe! To me that means all the gear all the time. I've ridden all over the US and Canada, but my only serious crash was 2 miles from home. Prepare for the ride, but dress for the crash.

Kind Regards,

[stevegrab]

At least 21 years of age, must carry $20K (minimum) additional medical insurance coverage on your cycle policy, and either have had your cycle endorsement for over 2 years or have passed a motorcycle safety course.

Oddly, there is no requirement that a rider carry proof of the additional medical coverage, nor the safety course.

Finally, you can not be stopped simply because you are not riding with a helmet and might *not* have met the above requirements, as that doesn't amount to reasonable suspicion (that you are breaking a law).

That's usually referred to as being a secondary offense, meaning they cannot stop and cite you just for that. That is how seatbelt laws are in most places.

It would be kind of strange having people pass by compliment you on wearing safety gear. I mostly hear stuff like this from non riders
"isn't it hot wearing all that stuff?"

[HawkGTRider]

That's usually referred to as being a secondary offense, meaning they cannot stop and cite you just for that. That is how seatbelt laws are in most places.

It would be kind of strange having people pass by compliment you on wearing safety gear. I mostly hear stuff like this from non riders
"isn't it hot wearing all that stuff?"

To which I normally respond that "It can, but the pavement doesn't get any less abrasive just because it's hot."