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June 07 2007 - Michigan riders rally to change state´s helmet law

Despite a likely veto from Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a few hundred motorcyclists from around the state gathered at the state Capitol on Wednesday to show support for legislation that would allow them to ride without helmets.

The annual rally was organized by American Bikers Aiming Toward Education, which wants to change the Michigan law that requires all motorcycle riders to wear helmets.

The group has tried to change the state law for several years. The latest proposal to alter the law is pending in the state House.

The legislation would allow riders to pay a $100 annual state permit fee to allow them to opt out of wearing a helmet. Bikers also could pay $200 for three years.

Motorcyclists also would have to be at least 21 years old, have two years experience and complete safety training. They would have to carry at least $20,000 in personal injury health insurance to ride without a helmet.

Riding helmetless without a permit would result in a $500 fine.

ABATE's efforts to change the helmet law came closer than ever to success last year. The bill that would have made helmets optional passed both the House and Senate, but it was rejected by the Democratic governor, who says motorcycle helmets save lives.

Granholm spokeswoman Liz Boyd said Wednesday that nothing has changed from the administration's perspective.

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