MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - They're butting heads in Nashville over whether bikers should be required to protect theirs. It's called the Motorcyclist Liberty Restoration Act and it would put an end to Tennessee’s helmet requirement. While supporters of the bill say it's all about individual's rights, opponents say it's about safety.
They're the coolest and most dangerous vehicles on the road. That's why Tennessee requires bikers to wear helmets. A new bill would have the restriction apply "only" to those under 21.
"More people are pushing for it, there are a lot of motorcycle groups are pushing for it and there just are a lot of states that don't have a helmet law,” Michael Till said.
Till owns Memphis Choppers, a custom bike shop where customers rarely buy regulation helmets.
“That's that person's choice. If they feel like they want to ride without a helmet, they can do that. You got the DOT helmets, a lot of people don't like the DOT helmets,” said Larry Burtis, who supports the bill..
Bikers say a Department of Transportation approved helmet is big, bulky and is downright ugly.
“They're very uncomfortable; a lot of your DOT helmets are real large, they make you look kind of goofy and when you're on a bike you want to look cool,” Till said.
But putting fashion over function can be costly.
“If you don't wear a helmet, this can happen - you can get hurt or killed,” said Mike Eager of Memphis Choppers, referencing a blood stained bike in the shop’s garage.
“He was acting inappropriately on this thing and wound up hitting a bridge, caught the back on fire and got flung off,” Eager said of the rider.
Tony Thompson says that's why the bill should be shot down.
“I lost a cousin last year and we rode together and I've been riding solo ever since he passed,” Thompson said.
“Why would we want to take a chance at letting people get on the street without thinking you need to wear your helmet to be safe?” asked Cheryl Keating with AAA.
Keating is just one of a number of people lobbying against the bill. When Pennsylvania approved a similar bill, traumatic brain injuries from motorcycle crashes more than doubled.
Keating says the costs in Tennessee could be “astronomical.”
The bill has been brought up and shot down before. Many hope a defeat this time will be the nail in the coffin.
