New Year, New Plan

In many states with mandatory helmet laws, bikers will once again pin their hopes on a bill to repeal some part of the mandatory helmet law. It's an annual rite of passage that usually starts with a debate about what kind of bill to submit, and usually ends with a disappointing defeat.

Then comes the second-guessing about why the bill failed. Most fingers will be pointed at the language of the bill. Or more specifically, what conditions should have been either added in or left out. As if the fate of the bill hangs on word-smithing.

This kind of talk entirely skips past the real reason.

Helmet laws are decided on Election Day. If biker-friendly candidates win, there are more legislators to vote for repeal. The only way to affect this balance is through campaign work.

If enough bikers work for electable candidates, repeal is a done deal.

But what if there won't be enough votes to pass a repeal bill? Should bikers give up without trying? Isn't it more sensible to throw in the towel before the inevitable knockout punch comes?

Absolutely NOT.

There is another reason for submitting a repeal bill, and that is to establish a voting record. When legislators show their true colors on such a basic freedom, they help us figure out who's with us and who's against us.

That will come in handy during the next election. It's one thing for candidates to SAY how they'll vote, but they can't hide how they actually DID vote.

So if your SMRO is submitting a bill to repeal any portion of the helmet law, encourage them to push that bill as far as it will go. Get the committee to vote on it. Get the full chamber to vote on it. Get both houses to vote on it.

The more votes are cast, the more we'll be prepared for the coming elections.

-RIDE2REPEAL@gmail.com