Helmet law

F

Frankenstien

New member
Harley riders are just "special." However, I will make a point in their defense:
The law might require passenger to have a helmet (I think this is true in OH along with a novice rider - under 1yr - cannot have a passenger).And I am HUGE on this, but it does go along with this whole discussion is that I might not care what happens to me, but to I do care what happens to the passenger. It is the same reason why I do not allow anyone on my bikes (I took the passenger pegs off my Duc and I am putting a seat cowl on as well where as I will remove OEM seat on my Shadow and replace it with a custom single-seat). I just don't want that responsibility and/or have it on my conscious if anything happens.As for the taxpayer.. lol.. that was funny
 
Riding on the road is risky enough as it is, doing it without a helmet is retarded. Why would you willingly give up protecting your head?
 
There used to be a Harley riding barrister here in Brisbane who had a wig and beard sewn into his helmet.. looked great as he took the helmet off and here was this neat short backa nd sides look. hair still attached to the helmet.
 
I'm laughing as I read this at the guys who wear helmets on sportsbikes but almost never wear them on their cruisers. If that's not purely down to a "look" thing I don't know what is.

Are you trying to say you feel completely safe riding your cruiser without it, but feel the need on your sportsbike? C'mon!

You say you'll alter the way you ride, but what about the things you can't control? Are you trying to tell me you NEVER have debris on the road or broken bitumen? Ever come accross diesel or oil on the road? Ever had a car do something unexpected causing you to react? What about mechanical failures like broken components or deflated tyres etc? All these things can result in a crash, even if it's at 20km/h. Strike your head against bitumen at even low speeds and you could be seriously hurt. I even had a stack on a pocket bike once at what would have been less that 30km/h, hit my head hard enough (Helmet on) to give me a damn good headache for a few hours.


Why would you give up the opportunity to protect your head? You own a helmet, why not use it ALL the time?

Jezza
Ps. And who said helmets weren't cool. When I first started riding, I couldn't wait to get a helmet. First on the shopping list.
 
After reading some of the comments I feel some of us are assuming a helmet law makes a difference. Almost all of us will wear our helmet with or without a law.

I for one have lost a friend and a family man who just took a friends bike for a short test ride, hit some sand turning at a slow speed, and did a header into the curb. We have all of the information needed to make an informed decision without being told we will be fined for non-compliance.

If you are riding a minor without a helmet I think they should revoke your license.
 
Sigh. Riding fast is a risk we all take. To me a controlled environment would be a drag strip, runway, etc. One that has been cleaned and prepared and closed to traffic.
 
Just to set the record straight on FL helmet law: If you are under 21, then you must wear a helmet. Over 21, helmet not required if you have at least $10,000 in medical insurance.

FS316.211(1)-(3):


(1) A person may not operate or ride upon a motorcycle unless the person is properly wearing protective headgear securely fastened upon his or her head which complies with Federal Motorcycle Vehicle Safety Standard 218 promulgated by the United States Department of Transportation. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall adopt this standard by agency rule.


(2) A person may not operate a motorcycle unless the person is wearing an eye-protective device over his or her eyes of a type approved by the department.


(3)(a) This section does not apply to persons riding within an enclosed cab or to any person 16 years of age or older who is operating or riding upon a motorcycle powered by a motor with a displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less or is rated not in excess of 2 brake horsepower and which is not capable of propelling such motorcycle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour on level ground.


(b) Notwithstanding subsection (1), a person over 21 years of age may operate or ride upon a motorcycle without wearing protective headgear securely fastened upon his or her head if such person is covered by an insurance policy providing for at least $10,000 in medical benefits for injuries incurred as a result of a crash while operating or riding on a motorcycle.


FL also has specially colored license plates it issues to under 21 motorcyclists, so the cops can distinguish those riders.

FS316.211(6):


(6) Each motorcycle registered to a person under 21 years of age must display a license plate that is unique in design and color.

As for my personal viewpoint on riding without a helmet, see below...
 
"helmet not required if you have at least $10,000 in medical insurance."

I wonder how they enforce that law? Do they check your medical ins. coverage if you get pulled over?
 
In theory, you must be able to produce proof of medical insurance coverage, to demonstrate you are in compliance with the statute. "Ignorance of the law is not an excuse..." and so on. In reality, most riders just ignore the requirement and ride sans helmet anyway.

I'm an MSF RiderCoach and I warn students here all the time of this statute...
 
Back
Top