NORTH CAROLINA:Helmet law gives Cleveland County bikers - and lawmakers - a headache

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http://www.shelbystar.com/news/headache-54476-motorcycles-helmet.html

Helmet law gives Cleveland County bikers - and lawmakers - a headache

Wednesday, Apr 6 2011, 5:15 pm Corey Friedman A lifetime of riding motorcycles taught Keith “Snake” Wilson to strap on his helmet before squeezing the throttle. But he says the headgear should be his choice — not the state’s.
The president of Cleveland County’s Concerned Bikers Association chapter, Wilson says the North Carolina law requiring adult riders to wear helmets discriminates against motorcyclists, since no helmets are required for those who ride bicycles and scooters.
“Myself, I’m still going to wear one,” Wilson said. “Most people would still wear their helmets. It’s just about taking away our rights.”

State Reps. Kelly Hastings and Tim Moore of Cleveland County are sponsoring a bill to repeal the helmet requirement. Hastings met with motorcyclists and researched safety laws in other states before deciding to draft House Bill 392, which is now before the House Transportation Committee.

Helmets optional in some states

The bill would require riders under 18 to wear approved safety helmets but would eliminate the requirement for bikers 18 and older.
“It was my thinking that if an individual is mature enough to make a decision to die for his or her country, they can make a decision about a helmet,” Hastings said.

Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire don’t require motorcyclists to wear helmets, while 27 states have laws that make the headgear mandatory only for riders under a certain age, according to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety data.

In North Carolina, all riders of motorcycles, scooters and mo-peds must wear helmets, but bicycle helmets are only required until riders reach age 15.

“It looks like the motorcycle riders are being discriminated against,” Hastings said. “They are not receiving equal protection under the law. A lot of bicycle riders are not required to wear a helmet. They are out on a dangerous road as well.”

Youth helmet law would remain

To supporters of helmet law repeal, the issue’s more about personal freedom than public safety. Wilson said some bikers think helmets can create hazards by limiting peripheral vision. And both Hastings and the bikers’ group support a helmet requirement for underage riders.

“I am not trying to send a signal to kids that it’s OK not to wear a helmet,” Hastings said. “We are talking about people who are of legal age who can make a decision to die for their country.”
Wilson said he’d even support increasing the age in HB 392 from 18 to 21.

Since forming nearly a year ago, the Concerned Bikers Association-ABATE of Cleveland County has signed up 73 members. The group advocates for motorcyclists’ rights — its name is an acronym for A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments — and participates in toy runs and community fundraisers. Its members have also conducted a motorcycle safety awareness class at Crest High.

“It’s not that we’re saying that bikers shouldn’t wear helmets,” Wilson said. “I just think it ought to be our choice.”