[blondyfluffbutt]

Please forgive me if there's a more appropriate place to put this on the site.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2004

51 PERCENT FOR BUSH, 48 PERCENT FOR KERRY,
50 PERCENT FOR MOTORCYCLE HELMETS

2004 Motorcycle “Helmet Challenge” Yields Positive Results

ST. PAUL — Motorcycle helmets have an approval rating better than most presidential candidates, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

In September, five riders volunteered for the 2004 Helmet Challenge sponsored by DPS, the Rider Wearhouse and Minnesota Motorcycle Monthly. The participants, identified as non-helmet-wearers, tried out new, full-faced motorcycle helmets for 21 days. Based on the participants’ responses, the Challenge yielded a 50 percent “conversion rate.” The results were:

Two volunteers claimed they liked the helmet and wanted to wear it all the time.
Two volunteers did not change their minds, but stated they would wear a helmet at least some of the time.
One volunteer said he would wear it about half the time.
All five riders chose to keep the helmet after the Challenge period.

Kathy Swanson, director of the Office of Traffic Safety, says, “These riders went from wearing a helmet seldom or never to wearing the helmet about half of the time. Many riders don’t wear helmets because they think they are uncomfortable, but the message here is clear: Try it, you might like it.”

Voluntary helmet use in Minnesota is estimated at 36 percent, but officials believe that number could be higher if riders were better informed.

Challenge participants chose to wear helmets because they preferred the insulation from the elements on colder days and longer trips and the added feeling of safety. Participants who chose to not wear helmets cited hot weather, short trips and self-image as factors. A majority of the riders said family or peer pressure influenced their decision.

***For a copy of the full report, contact Pat Hahn at pat.hahn@state.mn.us

[CBR929RE]

correct me if I'm wrong but there are very few states that require helmets. MA being one of them. even if there wasn't a law I couldn't imagine going out without one. without a full face for that matter because whats the point of wearing that pan called a half helmet. If everyone did a little research they'd find out that helmet aren't very uncomfortable, some might be but then you move on to the next brand. There are so many manufacturers you're bound t find one that comfortable. My Suomy is so comfortable, its nice to just wear because of how nice the lining and padding is. Hot days is an excuse not to wear a helmet, thats a load of crap. In 100 weather this summer I would be sweating my ass off but my head usually only sweated right at the forehead as there is no forehead vent in my helmet. Thats the one thing I miss about my HJC but the total head ventillation is so much more worth it. I think every new motorcycle should come with a helmet. if it comes with the bike I think people might be more likely to try it atleast once. doesn't have to be anything fancy, just a plain color HJC or KBC or something not too expensive. I could go on about this forever but I'm already preaching to the choir.

[Zeeman]

Love my Shoei XR1000 (RF1000 in the states I think...) veru comfy, low noise, and I know how easily your head can hit the ground even in a slow spill.

Z...

[matt232]

Getting on my push bike and putting on that flimsy little helmet makes me fear for my safety after wearing my Shark RSR day-in day-out on the Blade. Can't understand why you wouldn't wear a helmet on both vehicles.

[symonjester]

I tried riding without my jacket the other day - felt naked - won't be doing that again any time soon!

[CBR929RE]

Originally Posted by Zeeman

Love my Shoei XR1000 (RF1000 in the states I think...) veru comfy, low noise, and I know how easily your head can hit the ground even in a slow spill.

Z...

Before I bought my Suomy that helmet was on my list. But I tried one of them on today and have to say didn't like the lining all that much. It felt a little rough, kinda like it was just foam rather than a nice liner. It was a tiny bit annoying on the beard, a little itchy I guess. My Suomy on the other hand has such a soft liner and the beard is no problem. Might have to keep the beard after winter since the only reason I shaved it last year was it was riding time again and it was a no go on the inside of the old helmet.

[CBR929RE]

Originally Posted by symonjester

I tried riding without my jacket the other day - felt naked - won't be doing that again any time soon!

not that I'm recommending it but that feeling goes away after riding without one for a little while. I wore my jacket a lot more this past summer as opposed to the summer before. And it does feel better with it.

[GhostRider]

Helmets are mandatory here, but I would wear them even if it wasn't. No way I'm going 200+ kph without a helmet.

[CBR929RE]

went to my local dealership today and found this little wallet size card for an injury lawyer for injured motorcyclist and on the side it gives a break down of what state have helmet laws and which don't. it goes as follows:

helmets required for all rider: AL, CA, D.C., GA, LA, MA, MI, MS, MO, NE, NC, OR, TN, VA, WA and these also require reflectorization MD, NV, NY, VT, WV

no helmet requirement: CO, IL, IA

the rest of the states require it for certain riders, usually up to a certain age, other requirements are all passengers, novices or permit holders, mst pass rider course, and medical insurance required.
if anyone wants me to list the specifics of all these other states let me know.
stupidest is delaware: up to age 19 has to have reflectorization and is required for novices or or permit holders and you must have the helmet in your possession. you can't be wearing it if its not in your possession now can you.