Motorcyclists: 'Let those who ride, decide'

By LIAM FARRELL, Staff Writer

Published 03/16/09

Motorcyclists are taking on bureaucracy again in what has become an annual fight in the General Assembly to relax mandatory helmet laws for some riders.

Similar legislation has been introduced and failed since 1996, but Sen. John Astle, D-Annapolis, a biker himself, is still trying to allow exemptions to Maryland's mandatory helmet laws.

Astle's proposal, heard Tuesday in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee in Annapolis, would exempt riders who are 21 years or older and either have been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least two years or completed a Motor Vehicle Administration or Motorcycle Safety...

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Helmets - 2009-03-18 07:01:26

I agree that it should be a personal decision whether to wear a helmet or not. The only stipulation I would add is that all riders provide proof of health insurance so the taxpayers don't have to pay for there medical costs and rehab in the event of an accident.

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Lawrence Strittmatter - Centreville, MD - Karma: Bad

No Helmets - 2009-03-17 14:57:27

I Love the idea of sen Astle riding around with no helmet. I'm sure an MSP medic will love to give him an IV during the helo ride to Shock Trauma. I'm sure the Trauma center will give him the STC hand shake with an extra big tube too

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F. Jones - Bowie, MD - Karma: Bad

your wrong - 2009-03-17 14:21:05

Paul motorcyclist have as much insurance or more than you do, so you are not paying anything for us. and as far as that goes we are tax payers too just like you and if we get hurt no matter what we are on or in we deserve as much help as any cage driver gets if they are in an accident. In most cases with motorcycles the cages cause the accidents.

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Kathy H. - Preston, MD - Karma: Bad

Paul's right - 2009-03-17 13:14:10

I don't care if you were the helmet as long as the taxpayer doesn't foot the bill for the medical costs.

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D R. - severna park, MD - Karma: Neutral

Freedom to be left alone - 2009-03-16 17:56:20

We need to stop these unjust laws that limit personal freedom.

I also think that it is way past time for us as a country to legalize marijuana.

Maybe Maryland could then recapture an industry that was a solid part of her history--Farming--while simultaneously having a new source of revenue for the state coffers

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Tina Schubbie - annapolis, MD - Karma: Terrible

decision - 2009-03-16 12:53:47

I have no problem revoking a helmet or seat belt law, as long as the individual agrees not to take any government aid as a result of an accident, and a different private insurance rate is paid.

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Paul N. - Arnold, MD - Karma: Neutral

Protect your brain - 2009-03-16 11:52:34

I ride a scooter and always wear a helmet. People ask me if it is the law.
I always say, "You have brain damage if you don't wear a helmet, if don't now, you will later."
Laws are here to protect us, especially if we aren't smart enough to protect ourselves.
Law or not, everyone should always wear a helmet. It's smart and it keeps you smart.

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Nicole R. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral