Michigan's motorcycle helmet repeal sent to Gov. Snyder

It’s now Governor Rick Snyder’s decision on whether to repeal Michigan’s motorcycle helmet law.

The state Senate has approved a measure to end the requirement, and it will soon be on the governor’s desk.

Governor Snyder has not said one way or the other what he intends to do. The Senate bill would allow people 21 and over to ride without head protection – if they carry extra insurance coverage.

But that did not persuade state Senator Roger Kahn, who is also a doctor. He says helmets save lives and protect against injuries that would otherwise be more severe.

“You take ‘em away, the accidents increase, the deaths increase, the costs increase – to `what end? To have your hair blow in the wind?”

Advocates for repealing the law say safety training is more important than head protection. People in Michigan’s hospitality industry also support the repeal. They say there will be more Michigan motorcycle tourism without the helmet requirement.