Bikers Push For Repeal Of State Helmet Law

LANSING (WWJ) - Several hundred bikers converged at the State Capitol in Lansing Wednesday, looking for a repeal of Michigan's mandatory motorcycle helmet law. A proposal has been approved by a State Senate committee that, if passed, would allow motorcycle riders age 21 and older to go helmet-less.

WWJ Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick says the key to this still lies with the Governor, and it's still not known if Rick Snyder will sign the legislation to repeal the four-decade old law.

Skubick asked Gov. Snyder whether or not he is leaning any particular way.

"You can push all you want, Tim, but, as a practical matter, I'm still analyzing the question," said Snyder.

Would the Governor let his kids on a motorcycle without a helmet?

"(My wife) Sue won't let me on a motorcycle, let alone let my kids on a motorcycle," he said.

The State House and Senate are both expect to pass the repeal.

AAA says, without the law, the cost of motoring will go up because people without the helmets will have serious injuries that most motorists will have to pay for through their insurance.

A spring poll of some 600 likely Michigan voters statewide by Marketing Research Group (MRG), Inc. of Lansing showed that 81 percent of the state's residents believe the current mandatory helmet law should be maintained.  Sixteen percent said Michigan motorcycle riders should not be required to wear a helmet.