PNW Riders

SV4ME · 11-02-2009, 08:52 PM

Hi everybody. I am conducting a brief little research study for a class project and I would really appreciate your opinions on the poll I have posted. We don't need to get into detail arguing about whose opinion is better so if you could just please vote and comment if you would like (within reason) I would really appreciate it.

Thanks.

blueline15 · 11-02-2009, 08:54 PM

wheres the poll?

EDIT* nevermind, it wasnt there when i first posted hahah

Dr E · 11-02-2009, 08:54 PM

Originally Posted by SV4ME

Hi everybody. I am conducting a brief little research study for a class project and I would really appreciate your opinions on the poll I have posted. We don't need to get into detail arguing about whose opinion is better so if you could just please vote and comment if you would like (within reason) I would really appreciate it.

Thanks.

Did I miss something? I don't see a subject matter to comment on?

SV4ME · 11-02-2009, 08:56 PM

working on the poll... anyone know if you can post multiple poll questions in one post?

koorbloh · 11-02-2009, 09:00 PM

argument: saying you think there should be a helmet law says you need to be told not to be an idiot...

retort: but people without helmets cost me, as a tax payer, money

rebuttal: that's a stupid policy too

ScottyDX · 11-02-2009, 09:14 PM

I think it is a choice that should be left up to the rider. Also, if a rider decides not to wear a helmet, maybe it should be mandatory that the rider has insurance and pay a higher premium for it because of the risks involved.

coastiepete · 11-02-2009, 09:26 PM

I know i CHOOSE to wear a helmet. But free will is a bitch sometimes. Some people think "it will never happen to me". But it DOES happen. All the time!

If you choose not to wear one, it's your brain matter, not mine. Just don't expect my sympathy if you don't. or my money to fix you when you don't have it. or my shovel to scoop up you brain. Just like wearing a rubber, or wearing your seat belt. they are all good choices to make. And the consequences get ignored sometimes. So the choice falls on the rider, but the liability falls on the people? Yup, wear em!

Be advised that i have lived in 2 states that didn't have lid laws. and the wrecks were usually very messy and nearly always fatal.

RC51 · 11-02-2009, 09:28 PM

Just move to Texas, the only helmet law is for people that don't have proper insurance. I think it's like 10k in coverage or something. You have to go get a sticker with your registration. It's all just another $5 they get you for.

Still wouldn't ride without one though. People down here drive worse than they do in Seattle, and they all have full size trucks covered in dents.

I really don't get the rationale that it costs us more money? If they don't have a helmet, they are much more likely to die, thus costing us taxpayers nearly nothing. As opposed to the idiot who wears only a helmet because he has to (and doesn't have insurance, because he doesn't have to) goes down and gets covered in rash, or breaks his back/neck whatever and has many surgeries and a long recovery. And on top of that, doesn't he still get shafted for all the bills anyways? Still not making the connection to the whole "costs me money" thing? And don't tell me it's the police/fire/rescue responders that cost [more] money, they would be there if he had a helmet or a nothing at all. That's just the idiot costing us money by crashing, not by his wardrobe choice.

I'm not trying to get into an argument, I'm just not seeing the connection, so enlighten me if you feel inclined.

dwschultzy · 11-02-2009, 09:36 PM

Wookie · 11-02-2009, 10:20 PM

I'll always wear a helmet but it should be by choice, not by law.

Voted No.

rpappi · 11-02-2009, 10:21 PM

people need to stop protecting us from ourselfs

population control if nothing else

SV4ME · 11-02-2009, 10:46 PM

Thanks guys this is exactly what I need. Keep em coming.

Jyerg808 · 11-02-2009, 10:51 PM

IMO, a helmet law helps put peoples ego's and common sense back into themselves when they leave it out.

Gusgus · 11-02-2009, 11:01 PM

I find a helmet law should not be required as it is today.
I believe it should be mandatory for 17 and younger people. All passengers of 17 and below riders, and all passengers who are 17 and younger.

17 and above should be allowed to ride how ever they choose.

Jalharad · 11-02-2009, 11:03 PM

I voted no, its a choice. I lived in colorado, no helmet law there. I wore a helmet cause i dont want my brain spewed across the pavement, but i worked with several people who choose not to wear a lid. Most of them it was because if they were going to go down, then they wanted to die instead of being a vegetable (though they didnt think that most accidents happen at less then 30mph, and at those speeds; while still potenialy fatal; you are more likely to get a neck/brain injury rather then just SPLAT.)

FastCat · 11-02-2009, 11:05 PM

I voted "no" in the poll because that is what I believe. Namely, that I do not need, nor want the government to tell me how to protect my own *ss/skull/whatever.

Having said that, I must also admit that I like the fact that there are a LOT of really high-quality helmets available for reasonable money. ...and I do realize that the selection and pricing would not be as good as it is today if the mfg's weren't able to mass-produce so many to keep costs down.

I don't ride without a helmet, and I think anyone who does is foolish. ...but I also realize that what I think isn't grounds for forcing people to behave the way that I do.

galenernest · 11-02-2009, 11:06 PM

I voted "I don't know," because I don't know which state you're talking about. For WA, my vote would be "no." For Idaho, my vote would probably be "yes," but again I'd have to really think about it. I think your poll is too vague. That's my vote.

I hate this topic. I can never figure out what the hell I even want to say.

Nevermind. I'll just go

cityxslicker · 11-02-2009, 11:16 PM

its the motorcycle version of Roe v Wade.
You wanna wear em, wear em, you dont, then dont.
You wont catch me out there with out em.
There is bigger fish for law enforcement to fry, they should be doing that.

fijiman · 11-02-2009, 11:31 PM

It should be a choice but not a law, so voted NO. I wear it all the time because I think it will protect me, and believe me it has. But I cannot tell another biker that he HAS to wear it. What’s next, you have to wear only approved motorcycle gear?
About insurance, this country has it pretty messed up in that regard anyway, so I will not go there as I get pissed even thinking about how irresponsible people are to have taxpayers foot the bill.

.

Luckyadam12 · 11-02-2009, 11:43 PM

I voted yes.
I think it is important for the 'dumbasses' that are too retarded to realize what the helmet is for.
This is by no means an insult to the people that choose to not wear them.
It's for the people that just follow the requirements and nothing else, just to get by.
I'm from FL where there is no helmet law.
Not the coolest thing I've ever seen when a lady pulled out in front of a fellow biker.
A helmet could very well have saved his life. Instead, lets just say it was extremely graphic.
Sure, population control, but that is an irresponsible way to look at it.

Transported · 11-02-2009, 11:47 PM

Seatbelts are mandatory in most states and it's a good thing. Helmets for the same reason and even moreso.

307T · 11-03-2009, 12:13 AM

While I'm not in favor of government ruling over everything, I do think it is a good idea to have some basic expectations. Helmet laws, seatbelt laws, endorsements, CHL, etc are good in the long run. It's a slippery slope though. While I agree with mandatory insurance, I disagree with mandatory health care. So I could be considered somewhat hypocritical. I waffle from time to time on what I think is something that should be legislated for all, but for now helmets are the right thing to do IMO.

XcaptainXbloodX · 11-03-2009, 12:28 AM

when the personal choice of one person or one group of people has a noticeable affect on all the people that choice should not be given.

change the system so that people who dont wear helmets dont burden the system with the results of that choice and by all means, remove the law.

That said, I never understood why people get so humpy about removing a law thats common sense. If there was a law that said you HAVE to breath would you spend the money to campaign against it? Seems like were tossing money that could be used to defend the civil liberties that we ALL are losing rather than the privilege for some motorcycle riders to feel the wind in their hair.

flick · 11-03-2009, 12:31 AM

I voted no but I think that it should be required for persons under 18 whether rider or passenger or the passenger of someone under 18. I also think that insurance should be required for all riders, that way you pay to get own brains cleaned off the pavement or car you collided with, not the state paying for it.

Let natural selection run its course, the squirrel that thinks it can out run a car ends up a speed bump, the same rule should apply to anyone that thinks they don't need a helmet, they don't live to have kids too dumb to wear helmets.

twhite6868 · 11-03-2009, 12:53 AM

If you choose not to wear a helmet, it's YOUR CHOICE.

I wear a helmet all the time because

this hurts.

Caps2000 · 11-03-2009, 12:58 AM

Someone correct me, but last I heard the fatality rates in states that do not have lid laws are the same as state that do...

I voted No, it should be a rider's decision. However, there should be an insurance requirement for bikes, if you're gonna wreck, don't count on the taxpayers to pay for your mess. PS, I support lane sharing also..

Caps2000 · 11-03-2009, 12:59 AM

Originally Posted by Transported

Seatbelts are mandatory in most states and it's a good thing. Helmets for the same reason and even moreso.

Seatbelts are Federally mandatory, you have to wear it ANYWHERE you drive, just an fyi.

JayD1981 · 11-03-2009, 01:10 AM

Originally Posted by Caps2000

Seatbelts are Federally mandatory, you have to wear it ANYWHERE you drive, just an fyi.

Actually wearing seatbelts is NOT federally mandated. There is a FMVS that federally mandates that the car must have seatbelts, but the requirement that you wear it is state mandated. It just happens that every state has a seatbelt law.

JayD1981 · 11-03-2009, 01:24 AM

Originally Posted by Luckyadam12

I voted yes.
I think it is important for the 'dumbasses' that are too retarded to realize what the helmet is for.
This is by no means an insult to the people that choose to not wear them.
It's for the people that just follow the requirements and nothing else, just to get by.
I'm from FL where there is no helmet law.
Not the coolest thing I've ever seen when a lady pulled out in front of a fellow biker.
A helmet could very well have saved his life. Instead, lets just say it was extremely graphic.
Sure, population control, but that is an irresponsible way to look at it.

Why don't we make one piece track suits mandatory. We could also add boots and gloves onto that too. Really thats the safest way to ride. Its common sense right? We need to protect people from themselves. I also think we should federally mandate that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss, they we can have a war against gingivatis.

Armand · 11-03-2009, 01:44 AM

I kind of have mixed feelings on it... I think it should be a persons choice, but I also think it should be somewhat mandatory. perhaps the best solution would be to make it mandatory for riders for the first 2yrs and/or x ammount of miles, than it should be a choice.

Wookie · 11-03-2009, 01:46 AM

Originally Posted by Luckyadam12

I voted yes.
I think it is important for the 'dumbasses' that are too retarded to realize what the helmet is for.

I would argue that anyone too stupid to realize a helmet's function (henceforth not able to make an informed decision about wearing one) shouldn't be operating a motor vehicle in the first place. If you know the danger and choose not to wear a lid, more power to you. If you just can't figure out the relationship between your unprotected skull and the pavement...stay away from sharp objects and off the street where I ride, please. The biggest problem with the state trying to keep the people safe from themselves, is that many soon stop bothering to even think about their own safety. I wonder sometimes how many people in this country would just walk off a cliff without a guardrail and warning sign (complete with picture of stickman falling) present.

Originally Posted by JayD1981

Why don't we make one piece track suits mandatory. We could also add boots and gloves onto that too. Really thats the safest way to ride. Its common sense right? We need to protect people from themselves. I also think we should federally mandate that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss, they we can have a war against gingivatis.

Caps2000 · 11-03-2009, 01:51 AM

Originally Posted by JayD1981

Actually wearing seatbelts is NOT federally mandated. There is a FMVS that federally mandates that the car must have seatbelts, but the requirement that you wear it is state mandated. It just happens that every state has a seatbelt law.

I stand corrected. Commercial vehicle seatbelt use is federally mandated, I had thought it was true of non-commercial also.

BlackJacket · 11-03-2009, 02:08 AM

If someone is dumb enough to not wear a helmet I see no point in keeping them around for another generation. Id think that we'd eventually run out of stupid people.

So I voted no.

Caps2000 · 11-03-2009, 02:42 AM

There are alot of emotional responses here, but I still challenge someone to show me data that says, states without a lid law, has more motorcycle fatalities then a state that does. I may be wrong, I don't believe there is any difference.

Common sense says, wear a lid. But I'm curious in actual stats. Anyone?

JayD1981 · 11-03-2009, 03:01 AM

Everytime this topic comes up, it surprises me how judgemental people can be. Life is a calculated risk in and of itself. I've ridden without a helmet many times. I lived in a state that didn't have a helmet law. Depending on where I was going and what the conditions were dictated whether I would wear a helmet. If I was going on the freeway then I always wore a helmet, if I was going a mile down the road to the corner store real quick on a nice sunny day then I just put on some sun glasses and hopped on the bike. Not wearing a helmet doesn't make someone any more dumb and wearing a helmet doesn't make someone any more intelligent. It just means they calculated the risks differently than you would have.

I have a college degree and an IQ above 130. So we must have some fucking Einsteins on this forum to look down on me for going without a helmet from time to time.

BombR76 · 11-03-2009, 06:06 AM

Voted NO, . . . what ever happened to individual Liberty?

Under 18 YES, . . . and for 'learner' permit, YES until endorsed.

MANDITORY insurance, $25k bond and DNR (do not resusitate)
in order to ride 'naked' so you won't be a burden on society.
I don't want to pay for someone's stupidity for the rest of their
life if they become a vegetable or brain-dead. Oh, they are . . .

I wear seat belt in my cager and protective wear in summer too.
Guess being DOA after a 60 mph cycle head-on made me smarter?

All the gear, all the time (at least for me).

Dragon Rider · 11-03-2009, 06:42 AM

Yes, because when people ride without one they force upon me and my family the financial burdens and risks associated with their decision. ie They expect me to pay for it.

Now I'm fine with any risk anyone wants to take, if they PAY their own way.

(and I don't mean that they have some insurance, the insurance just raises my rates to cover the costs of their behavior)

(my solution, which may not be really workable, is you carry an insurance rider, that doesn't effect my rates, and you can ride without a helmet)

bukwld · 11-03-2009, 07:42 AM

twhite, that photo was gnarly and really NWS imo.. but oh well. after getting my breakfast back down into my stomach, damn bro..

As for this question in general. I for one just about always wear all the gear all the time, but have squidded it before around town, but always had on my Icon backplate so god forbid I had been stupid and gone down, I would of hopefully be able to not have my back destroyed. But that's for wearing jackets, pants, proper boots, etc.. I will never get on a bike to go more than 100 feet without jeans and shoes on. Moving bike out of driveway = different story, but anyways...

As for the helmet law, I voted no because it's free will choice, but do agree that there should be a higher cost of insurance for that person, and they should be req'd to have a special kind of license plate to designate them as a high risk insurance (or sticker) so local leo's could tell that this person is of higher risk and has the correct insurance to not wear the helmet, etc.. (To also help keep the cost of pulling riders over for the check for said insurance card and proper documentation.)

I will always wear a helmet because I don't want to look like the person in the photo and well frankly like my face the way that it is. Hence why I wear a full face.

But this is a damn good topic and I like hearing the responses as well.

Ordrock · 11-03-2009, 07:52 AM

Damn, that picture is messed up.

My two cents

I think that it's stupid to have to be told by the man to wear these things. But the picture says it all, oh yeah and Gary Busie is another example.

I should also have the option to wear one; I do wear one all the time and feel very venerable with out one. I preach to my son's to wear theirs and the wife won’t ride without hers. But at some point we have to say no to the mommy state and the stupid laws that liberals insist are good for the little people.

What is the next thing the government will take away from us or handicap us with? I wear my helmet because it’s the prudent thing to do, I wear my seat belt because it the prudent thing to do, but lets keep these jerks out of our personal lives.

Pretty soon they’ll be in your bedroom, and in your wallet.

briderdt · 11-03-2009, 08:50 AM

Okay, I was SO not prepared for that pic... Damn!

My opinion, and count it as just that, is that you can't mandate common sense (which I find increasingly uncommon, but that's another story).

So I say no helmet law, but that won't stop me from thinking that those without helmets are idiots. I wore bicycle helmets long before they were mandated as well (and in Seattle, they're actually not required -- go figure). I've cracked a few in my years of racing, and I know it would have been my skull if not for the head-mounted beer cooler.

View Poll Results: Do you think there should be a helmet law?
Yes	97	54.49%
No	76	42.70%
I don't know	5	2.81%
Voters: 178. You may not vote on this poll


11-02-2009, 08:52 PM	#1
SV4ME WMRRA Qualifier Joined: Apr 2008 From: Pullman/Ocean Shores,WA I Ride: 2007 blue sv650s	Help with motorcycle class project Hi everybody. I am conducting a brief little research study for a class project and I would really appreciate your opinions on the poll I have posted. We don't need to get into detail arguing about whose opinion is better so if you could just please vote and comment if you would like (within reason) I would really appreciate it. Thanks. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by SV4ME; 11-02-2009 at 09:00 PM..


11-02-2009, 08:54 PM	#2
blueline15 Streetfighter Joined: Aug 2008 From: Kennewick, WA I Ride: 06 SV650S	wheres the poll? EDIT* nevermind, it wasnt there when i first posted hahah __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-02-2009, 08:56 PM	#4
SV4ME WMRRA Qualifier Joined: Apr 2008 From: Pullman/Ocean Shores,WA I Ride: 2007 blue sv650s	working on the poll... anyone know if you can post multiple poll questions in one post? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-02-2009, 09:00 PM	#5
koorbloh Je Fa Fa Joined: Mar 2007 From: Lynnwood, WA I Ride: 08 naked SV650	argument: saying you think there should be a helmet law says you need to be told not to be an idiot... retort: but people without helmets cost me, as a tax payer, money rebuttal: that's a stupid policy too __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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11-02-2009, 09:14 PM	#6
ScottyDX Training Wheels Joined: Oct 2009 From: Vancouver, WA Blog Entries: 1 I Ride: like a dog, head in the wind.	I think it is a choice that should be left up to the rider. Also, if a rider decides not to wear a helmet, maybe it should be mandatory that the rider has insurance and pay a higher premium for it because of the risks involved. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-02-2009, 09:26 PM	#7
coastiepete Superbiker Joined: Apr 2007 From: Port Angeles WA I Ride: 2007 ZX-10R SE, 2005 450 EXC, 1980 GS750 Cafe Project	I know i CHOOSE to wear a helmet. But free will is a bitch sometimes. Some people think "it will never happen to me". But it DOES happen. All the time! If you choose not to wear one, it's your brain matter, not mine. Just don't expect my sympathy if you don't. or my money to fix you when you don't have it. or my shovel to scoop up you brain. Just like wearing a rubber, or wearing your seat belt. they are all good choices to make. And the consequences get ignored sometimes. So the choice falls on the rider, but the liability falls on the people? Yup, wear em! Be advised that i have lived in 2 states that didn't have lid laws. and the wrecks were usually very messy and nearly always fatal. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-02-2009, 09:28 PM	#8
RC51 Streetfighter Joined: Mar 2008 From: TX I Ride: RC51	Just move to Texas, the only helmet law is for people that don't have proper insurance. I think it's like 10k in coverage or something. You have to go get a sticker with your registration. It's all just another $5 they get you for. Still wouldn't ride without one though. People down here drive worse than they do in Seattle, and they all have full size trucks covered in dents. I really don't get the rationale that it costs us more money? If they don't have a helmet, they are much more likely to die, thus costing us taxpayers nearly nothing. As opposed to the idiot who wears only a helmet because he has to (and doesn't have insurance, because he doesn't have to) goes down and gets covered in rash, or breaks his back/neck whatever and has many surgeries and a long recovery. And on top of that, doesn't he still get shafted for all the bills anyways? Still not making the connection to the whole "costs me money" thing? And don't tell me it's the police/fire/rescue responders that cost [more] money, they would be there if he had a helmet or a nothing at all. That's just the idiot costing us money by crashing, not by his wardrobe choice. I'm not trying to get into an argument, I'm just not seeing the connection, so enlighten me if you feel inclined. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter Last edited by RC51; 11-02-2009 at 09:37 PM..


11-02-2009, 09:36 PM	#9
dwschultzy Superbiker Joined: Nov 2007 From: auburn Blog Entries: 2 I Ride: CBR	fuck __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-02-2009, 10:20 PM	#10
Wookie Endorsed Joined: Jul 2009 From: Vancouver, WA I Ride: '96 KZ1000P	I'll always wear a helmet but it should be by choice, not by law. Voted No. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-02-2009, 10:21 PM	#11
rpappi Superbiker Joined: Dec 2007 From: Puyallup, Wa I Ride: SHINKO's	people need to stop protecting us from ourselfs population control if nothing else __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-02-2009, 10:46 PM	#12
SV4ME WMRRA Qualifier Joined: Apr 2008 From: Pullman/Ocean Shores,WA I Ride: 2007 blue sv650s	Thanks guys this is exactly what I need. Keep em coming. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-02-2009, 10:51 PM	#13
Jyerg808 WMRRA Qualifier Joined: Nov 2008 From: University Place, WA I Ride: 08' gsxr 750	IMO, a helmet law helps put peoples ego's and common sense back into themselves when they leave it out. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-02-2009, 11:01 PM	#14
Gusgus MotoGP Champion Joined: Dec 2008 From: VanHooter, Wa Blog Entries: 2 I Ride: Valkyrie/R1150GS Adventure	I find a helmet law should not be required as it is today. I believe it should be mandatory for 17 and younger people. All passengers of 17 and below riders, and all passengers who are 17 and younger. 17 and above should be allowed to ride how ever they choose. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-02-2009, 11:03 PM	#15
Jalharad Streetfighter Joined: Jul 2007 From: Bellingham, Washington I Ride: Two-up and slower then a snail	I voted no, its a choice. I lived in colorado, no helmet law there. I wore a helmet cause i dont want my brain spewed across the pavement, but i worked with several people who choose not to wear a lid. Most of them it was because if they were going to go down, then they wanted to die instead of being a vegetable (though they didnt think that most accidents happen at less then 30mph, and at those speeds; while still potenialy fatal; you are more likely to get a neck/brain injury rather then just SPLAT.) __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-02-2009, 11:05 PM	#16
FastCat Superbiker Joined: Dec 2005 From: Tacoma, WA I Ride: GSXR-1100 & a B12	I voted "no" in the poll because that is what I believe. Namely, that I do not need, nor want the government to tell me how to protect my own ss/skull/whatever. Having said that, I must also admit that I like the fact that there are a LOT of really high-quality helmets available for reasonable money. ...and I do realize that the selection and pricing would not be as good as it is today if the mfg's weren't able to mass-produce so many to keep costs down. I don't ride without a helmet, and I think anyone who does is foolish. ...but I also realize that what I think isn't grounds for forcing people to behave the way that I do. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter*


11-02-2009, 11:06 PM	#17
galenernest Superbiker Joined: Jun 2008 From: Vancouver, WA I Ride: year 'round	I voted "I don't know," because I don't know which state you're talking about. For WA, my vote would be "no." For Idaho, my vote would probably be "yes," but again I'd have to really think about it. I think your poll is too vague. That's my vote. I hate this topic. I can never figure out what the hell I even want to say. Nevermind. I'll just go __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-02-2009, 11:16 PM	#18
cityxslicker Superbiker Joined: Nov 2007 From: Silverdale, Wa I Ride: Buell XB9SX City-X	its the motorcycle version of Roe v Wade. You wanna wear em, wear em, you dont, then dont. You wont catch me out there with out em. There is bigger fish for law enforcement to fry, they should be doing that. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-02-2009, 11:31 PM	#19
fijiman Zone Head Joined: Apr 2008 From: Couve, WA I Ride: 06 Busa crashed, 04gsxr1k-sold, 06R6R-sold, DRZ400SM among others. Off the wheelchair & out & about! ;-)	It should be a choice but not a law, so voted NO. I wear it all the time because I think it will protect me, and believe me it has. But I cannot tell another biker that he HAS to wear it. What’s next, you have to wear only approved motorcycle gear? About insurance, this country has it pretty messed up in that regard anyway, so I will not go there as I get pissed even thinking about how irresponsible people are to have taxpayers foot the bill. . __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-02-2009, 11:43 PM	#20
Luckyadam12 Honda Rider Joined: Jan 2009 From: Silverdale, WA I Ride: 05' Honda CBR 600RR (tribal)	I voted yes. I think it is important for the 'dumbasses' that are too retarded to realize what the helmet is for. This is by no means an insult to the people that choose to not wear them. It's for the people that just follow the requirements and nothing else, just to get by. I'm from FL where there is no helmet law. Not the coolest thing I've ever seen when a lady pulled out in front of a fellow biker. A helmet could very well have saved his life. Instead, lets just say it was extremely graphic. Sure, population control, but that is an irresponsible way to look at it. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-02-2009, 11:47 PM	#21
Transported MotoGP Champion Joined: Dec 2006 From: Portland, Oregon Blog Entries: 1 I Ride: '99 R1, '80 Suz GS450S	Seatbelts are mandatory in most states and it's a good thing. Helmets for the same reason and even moreso. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 12:13 AM	#22
307T Zone Head Joined: Jan 2007 From: Washington County I Ride: Harley custom	While I'm not in favor of government ruling over everything, I do think it is a good idea to have some basic expectations. Helmet laws, seatbelt laws, endorsements, CHL, etc are good in the long run. It's a slippery slope though. While I agree with mandatory insurance, I disagree with mandatory health care. So I could be considered somewhat hypocritical. I waffle from time to time on what I think is something that should be legislated for all, but for now helmets are the right thing to do IMO. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 12:28 AM	#23
XcaptainXbloodX Pit Crew Joined: Jan 2009 From: Portland,OR I Ride: S2R 800	when the personal choice of one person or one group of people has a noticeable affect on all the people that choice should not be given. change the system so that people who dont wear helmets dont burden the system with the results of that choice and by all means, remove the law. That said, I never understood why people get so humpy about removing a law thats common sense. If there was a law that said you HAVE to breath would you spend the money to campaign against it? Seems like were tossing money that could be used to defend the civil liberties that we ALL are losing rather than the privilege for some motorcycle riders to feel the wind in their hair. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 12:31 AM	#24
flick Endorsed Joined: Feb 2008 From: Middle East I Ride: Triumph Scrambler .... packed away	I voted no but I think that it should be required for persons under 18 whether rider or passenger or the passenger of someone under 18. I also think that insurance should be required for all riders, that way you pay to get own brains cleaned off the pavement or car you collided with, not the state paying for it. Let natural selection run its course, the squirrel that thinks it can out run a car ends up a speed bump, the same rule should apply to anyone that thinks they don't need a helmet, they don't live to have kids too dumb to wear helmets. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 12:53 AM	#25
twhite6868 Pit Crew Joined: Feb 2009 From: Puyallup, WA I Ride: 2007 Kawasaki ZX6R	If you choose not to wear a helmet, it's YOUR CHOICE. I wear a helmet all the time because this hurts. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 12:58 AM	#26
Caps2000 WMRRA Qualifier Joined: Aug 2008 From: Seattle, Wa I Ride: All over the country	Someone correct me, but last I heard the fatality rates in states that do not have lid laws are the same as state that do... I voted No, it should be a rider's decision. However, there should be an insurance requirement for bikes, if you're gonna wreck, don't count on the taxpayers to pay for your mess. PS, I support lane sharing also.. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 01:44 AM	#30
Armand WMRRA Qualifier Joined: Apr 2008 From: Oregon I Ride: If I only had a bike	I kind of have mixed feelings on it... I think it should be a persons choice, but I also think it should be somewhat mandatory. perhaps the best solution would be to make it mandatory for riders for the first 2yrs and/or x ammount of miles, than it should be a choice. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 02:08 AM	#33
BlackJacket Endorsed Joined: Apr 2008 From: Beaverton OR I Ride: 2003 GSXR 600	If someone is dumb enough to not wear a helmet I see no point in keeping them around for another generation. Id think that we'd eventually run out of stupid people. So I voted no. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 02:42 AM	#34
Caps2000 WMRRA Qualifier Joined: Aug 2008 From: Seattle, Wa I Ride: All over the country	There are alot of emotional responses here, but I still challenge someone to show me data that says, states without a lid law, has more motorcycle fatalities then a state that does. I may be wrong, I don't believe there is any difference. Common sense says, wear a lid. But I'm curious in actual stats. Anyone? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 03:01 AM	#35
JayD1981 Superbiker Joined: Dec 2007 From: Richland, WA I Ride: 03 Superhawk 996 and my new Pocket Rocket	Everytime this topic comes up, it surprises me how judgemental people can be. Life is a calculated risk in and of itself. I've ridden without a helmet many times. I lived in a state that didn't have a helmet law. Depending on where I was going and what the conditions were dictated whether I would wear a helmet. If I was going on the freeway then I always wore a helmet, if I was going a mile down the road to the corner store real quick on a nice sunny day then I just put on some sun glasses and hopped on the bike. Not wearing a helmet doesn't make someone any more dumb and wearing a helmet doesn't make someone any more intelligent. It just means they calculated the risks differently than you would have. I have a college degree and an IQ above 130. So we must have some fucking Einsteins on this forum to look down on me for going without a helmet from time to time. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 06:06 AM	#36
BombR76 Training Wheels Joined: May 2009 From: Richland (almost Kennewick), WA I Ride: 250 MaxZScoot, Jennzuki's GS500f, Wee-Strom - maybe?	Voted NO, . . . what ever happened to individual Liberty? Under 18 YES, . . . and for 'learner' permit, YES until endorsed. MANDITORY insurance, $25k bond and DNR (do not resusitate) in order to ride 'naked' so you won't be a burden on society. I don't want to pay for someone's stupidity for the rest of their life if they become a vegetable or brain-dead. Oh, they are . . . I wear seat belt in my cager and protective wear in summer too. Guess being DOA after a 60 mph cycle head-on made me smarter? All the gear, all the time (at least for me). __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 06:42 AM	#37
Dragon Rider Post Whore (In Training) Joined: Jul 2006 From: Portland OR I Ride: 89 Transalp, 06 DRZ400SM	Yes, because when people ride without one they force upon me and my family the financial burdens and risks associated with their decision. ie They expect me to pay for it. Now I'm fine with any risk anyone wants to take, if they PAY their own way. (and I don't mean that they have some insurance, the insurance just raises my rates to cover the costs of their behavior) (my solution, which may not be really workable, is you carry an insurance rider, that doesn't effect my rates, and you can ride without a helmet) __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 07:42 AM	#38
bukwld Mofo Dr. Phil of PNW Joined: Sep 2007 From: Everett, WA I Ride: K8 gsx-r 1000, 03 SV650S, 03 CBR 600RR (if I'm lucky), and 00 shadow 1100 VTX (if I'm super super lucky)	twhite, that photo was gnarly and really NWS imo.. but oh well. after getting my breakfast back down into my stomach, damn bro.. As for this question in general. I for one just about always wear all the gear all the time, but have squidded it before around town, but always had on my Icon backplate so god forbid I had been stupid and gone down, I would of hopefully be able to not have my back destroyed. But that's for wearing jackets, pants, proper boots, etc.. I will never get on a bike to go more than 100 feet without jeans and shoes on. Moving bike out of driveway = different story, but anyways... As for the helmet law, I voted no because it's free will choice, but do agree that there should be a higher cost of insurance for that person, and they should be req'd to have a special kind of license plate to designate them as a high risk insurance (or sticker) so local leo's could tell that this person is of higher risk and has the correct insurance to not wear the helmet, etc.. (To also help keep the cost of pulling riders over for the check for said insurance card and proper documentation.) I will always wear a helmet because I don't want to look like the person in the photo and well frankly like my face the way that it is. Hence why I wear a full face. But this is a damn good topic and I like hearing the responses as well. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 07:52 AM	#39
Ordrock Training Wheels Joined: Oct 2008 From: Hermiston, OR I Ride: 2007 Yamaha FJR 1300	Damn, that picture is messed up. My two cents I think that it's stupid to have to be told by the man to wear these things. But the picture says it all, oh yeah and Gary Busie is another example. I should also have the option to wear one; I do wear one all the time and feel very venerable with out one. I preach to my son's to wear theirs and the wife won’t ride without hers. But at some point we have to say no to the mommy state and the stupid laws that liberals insist are good for the little people. What is the next thing the government will take away from us or handicap us with? I wear my helmet because it’s the prudent thing to do, I wear my seat belt because it the prudent thing to do, but lets keep these jerks out of our personal lives. Pretty soon they’ll be in your bedroom, and in your wallet. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 08:50 AM	#40
briderdt WMRRA Qualifier Joined: Oct 2008 From: Puyallup,(South Hill) I Ride: 2005 Suzuki SV650S	Okay, I was SO not prepared for that pic... Damn! My opinion, and count it as just that, is that you can't mandate common sense (which I find increasingly uncommon, but that's another story). So I say no helmet law, but that won't stop me from thinking that those without helmets are idiots. I wore bicycle helmets long before they were mandated as well (and in Seattle, they're actually not required -- go figure). I've cracked a few in my years of racing, and I know it would have been my skull if not for the head-mounted beer cooler. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter