Richmond, Va. (AP) - Motorcyclists who show proof of insurance and are at least 21 years old would be allowed to ride helmet-free in Virginia under legislation that narrowly escaped a House committee.
The bill, sponsored by Del. Scott Lingamfelter, surprisingly passed the House Transportation Committee by a nonpartisan vote of 10-9 Tuesday after a subcommittee recommended killing it.
Nearly two dozen motorcyclists clad in black leather cheered and whooped following the vote, drawing a rebuke from the committee chair, Del. Leo Wardrup.
"I think they did what they should've done, preserving the civil liberties and freedom in the Commonwealth of Virginia," said Bernie Adams, of Front Royal, who's been riding a bike for 10 years.
Even though the bill escaped committee, it faces an uncertain future in the full House and probable death in the Senate, which is more moderate in composition.
Lingamfelter, R-Prince William, has said, however, that his bill is different from those in the past because it requires riders to show proof of insurance and mandates they pass a motorcycle training course.
"There's no sign this is a public burden," said Jim Cannon, director of the Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists. "It's a law that protects us from ourselves. . If they put helmets on us, they need to outlaw fatty foods, tobacco, alcohol and unsafe sex."
Cannon said 31 states have repealed helmet laws since 1996.
Doctors say statistics show a dramatic increase in motorcycle injuries and treatment costs after states drop the law. Nancy Martin, trauma program director at VCU Medical Center, said unhelmeted victims spend 50 percent more time in the hospital on average than helmeted victims of accidents.
"It's dangerous not to wear a helmet, that's the bottom line," said Steve Chumley of Virginia State Police.
