Groveland Twp.- Both Gary DeNise and Kaye Johnson are lifelong motorcyclist and like many riders hold to the creed, ‘if you ride you should decide,? regarding Michigan’s helmet law.
But that’s where the similarity end.
‘My head is worth more than a few bucks,? said DeNise, 68, a close friend of Johnson.. ‘But that’s just me, I wore seatbelts before they were required by law too.?
Conversely Johnson, 67, rides without a helmet at every opportunity.
‘I lose the helmet when I cross the stateline out of Michigan,? said Johnson. ‘I want to have the choice to ride without a helmet.?
The township couple are just a few of the thousands currently embroiled in a push to repeal a 1966 Michigan law that has required motorcyclist to wear helmets while operating their machines. On Nov. 28, 1995, the Federal government enacted the National Highway System Designation Act, repealing any federal penalty on states, like Ohio and Indiana, that have not enacted laws requiring the use of helmets. As a result, Michigan is no longer forced to have a motorcycle helmet law or as stringent as the law we currently have.
The legislation will provide an exception to the motorcycle helmet law for anyone who is 21 years of age or older and has been licensed to drive a motorcycle for two years or has successfully completed a motorcycle safety course. It also creates an exception to any passenger riding on a motorcycle or riding in a side car of a motorcycle that is 21 years of age or older. This bill also requires that any rider without a helmet must have security in the amount of $10,000 in order to pay first-party medical benefits, in the event of a crash.
On June 7, Johnson along with several thousand motorcyclist converged on the state capital to support the legislation that passed the state house by a 66-37 vote and passed the State Senate earlier this year.
‘The only reason I left my helmet on during the rally is because I’m poor and did not want to pay a ticket,? said Johnson. ‘The Lansing police would not let these 1,000 bikes go through the traffic light near the capitol if they did not have a helmet on. I’ve been going to Lansing for the past 10 years or so to protest the helmet law.?
‘There’s a lot of people moving out of Michigan right now, why would we continue to have a law to make Michigan less popular?? said Johnson. ‘We’re missing out on tourist dollars that come with the freedom to ride without a helmet.?
During the bikers rally Granholm peired out the window at those that had gathered on the steps of the capitol, said Johnson.
Johnson who frequently rides motorcycles with her six children currently serves as a American Motorcycle Association representative, a member of the Michigan Independent Riders and the Motor Maids. She also has been a member of American Bikers Aim Toward Education (ABATE), a strong supporter of appealing Michigan’s helmet law.
Area lawmakers are supporting Johnson’s quest.
Representative James Marleau (R-Lake Orion) voted for the new helmet legislation, but expects Granholm to veto the bill within the next few weeks..
‘The $10,000 required insurance policy for those who choose not to wear a helmet will help offset health insurance costs,? said Marleau. ‘It’s a great day when we can offer citizen the freedom to live there life, while protecting everyone from unintended consequences.?
Robert DePalma, 58, Groveland Township supervisor has been riding motorcycles for several years but is not so sure riding without a helmet is such a great idea following two accidents while operating a motorcycle.
In June 2004, DePalma lost control of his motorcycle and hit a curb near Grange Hall Road. In September that same year a motorist pulled out in front of DePalma as he was traveling north on M-15 near Oakwood Road.
‘My helmet has ‘grind? marks on it from the asphalt on M-15,? said DePalma. ‘I know how nice it is to ride without a helmet’but if you’ve ever been in an accident you know how important a helmet is when riding. I know it’s a personal choice but like they say, ‘if you got a 10 dollar head buy a 10 dollar helmet.??
DePalma suffered minor injuries in the accidents and remains a strong advacate of the helmet laws.
Representative David Robertson (R-Grand Blanc) voted for the repeal of the current helmet law.
‘This is a close call. This issue is a matter of personal liberties and choice,? said Robertson, who voted against the repeal of the helmet law in December 2004. ‘There’s merit on both sides of the issue. This bill was different than 2004 with a greater safety component in this 2006 bill.? The bill is a step in the right direction by requiring riders to have $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection before they can ride without a helment.?