Get Over It!
I've spent a considerable amount of time over the last several years debating people in Michigan about our helmet law. As I noted in an earlier blog on this site, the pro-helmet people always seemed to be speaking down to people that wanted a choice. Not interested in our opinion necessarily, however, more interested in telling us how stupid we are to want to ride without a helmet. Fortunately, the helmet law was finally repealed last week. I mistakenly assumed that the repeal of the helmet law would silence the pro-helmet people, however, I was mistaken. In fact, I am beginning to believe that it has done nothing other than fire the pro-helmet people up.
A friend of mine posted a picture of her squeeze on Facebook last week sitting on his bike without a helmet. The caption was something along the lines of "I'm FREE to ride without my helmet!" Over 200 friends posted positive, encouraging comments. One decided to post "It might feel GREAT until you wipe out. Just asking for a MAJOR head injury and likely riding your bike FREE in the heavens." It wouldn't surprise me to learn that the person that made that comment doesn't even ride. Not that it matters.... I've ridden helmet free since the law was repealed and have had multiple "encounters" with random people that are so very convinced that I am an idiot that they feel the need to tell me. I exchanged multiple messages with a Detroit Free Press columnist over the weekend on the same topic. He wrote a piece explaining why people should wear helmets. I felt the need to explain to him that I appreciated his opinion although I felt he would be better off discussing the practice of "Look Twice, Save A Life."
I have a message to anyone that believes helmets should be mandatory in Michigan. Let it go. Do ALL of us a favor and Let it go! Take a step back from the edge and realize that the law has changed and whether you like it or not, we WILL ride without our helmets. Latch onto another hot topic and let riders in Michigan make their legal choice as to when they wear their helmet, if at all.
BBNX
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Comment by Sindee on April 20, 2012 at 9:24am -
The debate will rage forever, mandatory laws or not.
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Comment by Cathy on April 19, 2012 at 12:04pm
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Don't ususally ride on the sidewalk without a helmet....in fact I always wear full-face helmet...my choice. Studies have shown that helmets may be a detrement in case of a mishap. The weight of the helmet is more likely to cause eck injuries. So there are two sides to every issue.
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Comment by Kevin Reed on April 19, 2012 at 10:33am -
I agree "Let those that ride decide". I sometimes wear one on the highway, but I also don't at times. When the man upstairs (weather you believe in him or not) says its your time, guess what your gone. Start educating those that are cagers on safety. We have a right to a full lane, a car length apart. Train them to watch and respect. But I am sorry to say I say the same thing happen with seat belts and we all know what happened there. I am happy to say that this is one time I am glad that Kansas is behind the times and the rest of the world. Our Politicians are too busy harassing other people right now. Give them a few years and we will be next. :(
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Comment by Johnny Yen on April 18, 2012 at 1:18pm -
What I don't understand is if helmet laws are non existent HOW can they expect to force me to wear a seat belt....? It's the SAME principle!
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Comment by Julia Bennett-Burch on April 18, 2012 at 12:47pm -
I wear a helmet. I choose to wear a helmet. Someday however, I may live somewhere else where it isn't law and I may choose to not wear a helmet. I wear a seat belt. Mostly because it is a habit, but also because I can't afford the fine. But if an adult does not want to wear a seat belt, or a helmet, that should be their decision. Considering the state the current overall government is in I fail to see their qualifications to determine what is best for me.
I really like your idea about focusing on the "Look Twice, Save a Life" campaign. That is very worthy and often the root cause of major accidents that cause serious injuries or take the life of bikers. Instead of worrying about what happens during an accident, let's do more to avoid them in the first place. It's no different than preventative medicine.
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Comment by Venus on April 18, 2012 at 9:57am -
I get more attention for riding without a helmet NOW than I did BEFORE the law was lifted when I used to ride without and pay the $25 fine!
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Comment by BranDEE on April 18, 2012 at 9:38am -
I had a lady at the bank yesterday tell me that her nephew was killed on a bike and he WAS wearing a helmet so riding withOUT one is dangerous............. Huh?
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