Jake
June 24th, 2003, 10:41 AM
Pennsylvania motorcyclist are one step closer to being able to have the choice to ride with or without a helmet. The state Senate voted to repeal the Pennsylvania helmet law in a 29-20 vote. The law to mandate helmets has been a point of debate since Pennsylvania enacted it in 1967.
Harrisburg, PA; Once again Pennsylvania motorcyclist are one step closer to being able to have the choice to ride with or without a helmet. The states Senate voted to repeal the Pennsylvania helmet law in a 29-20 vote.
The bill would still require riders over the age of 21 to wear helmets if they have been licensed less than two years. But the requirement would be waived if motorcyclist took a state-run motorcycle safety course. Motorcyclists with more than two years experience would have the choice to ride without a helmet.
According to Charles Flack, ABATE's former communications officer, "We've been working toward it for 30 years. When we pass the hurdle in the House, we've already been guaranteed by Gov. Rendell that he will sign our legislation."
Senator Jack Wagner, Democrat from Beechview, PA. was on the other side of the issue and was joined by medical professionals and accident survivors at a news conference to voice their opposition. The claims that health care cost would go up and that there would be more injuries was proclaimed by Marc Finder, medical director of emergency services at UPMC-Bedford.
Pennsylvania motorcyclist came very close to getting the helmet law repealed in 1998 but was vetoed by then Governor Tom Ridge because of lack of eye protection.
Harrisburg, PA; Once again Pennsylvania motorcyclist are one step closer to being able to have the choice to ride with or without a helmet. The states Senate voted to repeal the Pennsylvania helmet law in a 29-20 vote.
The bill would still require riders over the age of 21 to wear helmets if they have been licensed less than two years. But the requirement would be waived if motorcyclist took a state-run motorcycle safety course. Motorcyclists with more than two years experience would have the choice to ride without a helmet.
According to Charles Flack, ABATE's former communications officer, "We've been working toward it for 30 years. When we pass the hurdle in the House, we've already been guaranteed by Gov. Rendell that he will sign our legislation."
Senator Jack Wagner, Democrat from Beechview, PA. was on the other side of the issue and was joined by medical professionals and accident survivors at a news conference to voice their opposition. The claims that health care cost would go up and that there would be more injuries was proclaimed by Marc Finder, medical director of emergency services at UPMC-Bedford.
Pennsylvania motorcyclist came very close to getting the helmet law repealed in 1998 but was vetoed by then Governor Tom Ridge because of lack of eye protection.