senator

Below is an email I sent to my Senator regarding a senate vote we have coming up on our mandatory helmet law. His response is below my letter . As you can see his friends are "CYCLIST" while I consider myself a "biker" through and through.. Needless to say I won't be voting for this "BONEHEAD" .. It is sad to see all these narrow minded politicians making decisions for us. All i can say is vote vote vote. Get rid of the boneheads. Ride Free..Big Jim

Close this page to return Home



		Hello Senator, I am James********.I live at (addy removed) I am a registered voter in my county.I would like to know how you feel about the helmet law. I have been an avid biker for many years , i am now 43 years old. I feel it is up to the individual to decide if they want to wear a helmet, it should be our choice. I hope to find out you are in agreement with me and will help the mandatory helmet law get taken off the books..Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. A Biker who votes, James Henderson

	Dear Mr.Big Jim: Thank you for your letter regarding House Bill 4823 which would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to allow a person not to wear a crash helmet while operating a motorcycle or moped if they are 21 years of age or older and have been licensed for not less than two years or they have passed a motorcycle safety course. First of all, I wish to make it clear that I, too, respect the rights of individuals and dislike the intrusion of government into our personal lives. However, in situations where the choices of individuals impact a large segment of the population, it sometimes becomes necessary to limit those choices. The argument that non-use of helmets affects only the cyclist has been disproved in numerous studies. It has been shown that head injuries to non-helmet wearing motorcyclists are more severe, requiring longer hospitalization and extensive medical treatment. Medical costs for non-helmet riders are, therefore, significantly higher. While some of these cases are fully covered by medical insurance, others are paid for by the general public through tax-supported medical services. Even where there is insurance coverage, society as a whole ultimately pays through higher insurance premiums. A review of court decisions also reveals that motorists who are sued by non-helmet motorcyclists sustaining head injuries, are unable to protect themselves from liability in states where there is no statute requiring helmet use. Thus, motorcyclists who voluntarily choose not to wear helmets are not only risking their own well being, but the financial well being of motorists who unfortunately become involved in motorcycle accidents. Let me close by saying that I have many friends who are cyclists. I place a tremendous value on their lives, as do the members of their families, and I believe they are safer wearing a helmet. As you may know, legislation is often times significantly altered during the legislative process. Please be assured, however, that I will keep your thoughts in mind should HB 4823 come before the full Senate for consideration. Sincerely, Wm. Van Regenmorter State Senator