By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-972546.mp3
LANSING, MI –
Opponents of Michigan's motorcycle helmet rallied at the state Capitol Wednesday. They support a state Senate bill that would allow riders who are at least 21years old with training or experience to doff their helmets. More from the Michigan Public Radio Network's Rick Pluta.
AUDIO: A few hundred motorcyclists showed at the rally in hopes that four decades of efforts to repeal the helmet law are close to success. Paul Miller says Michigan is losing out on a lot of motorcycle-related tourism business from him and people like him.
"Every surrounding state - we're surrounded - has freedom of choice," he says. "People in many states don't have helmets."
Thirty states, to be exact. But Governor Rick Snyder says before he'll support a bill, he wants assurances the rest of the public won't be forced to pay the medical bills of helmetless riders who are injured.
"So, I'm not giving a conclusion on this bill," he says. "It's just something that's worth continuing the dialogue on."
The measure has wide support in the Legislature. The state Senate could vote on a helmet law repeal as soon as next week.