It seems that most Harley riders don't wear helmets whereas most other types of riders do. Is there any explanation for this phenomenon?
2007-06-21 01:49:44 · 42 answers · asked by wyzeguy82 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
As a 10 year member of ABATE (look us up on web)
we fight for the cyclists Right TO CHOOSE whether to wear a helmet or not. We also fight for many other rights pertaining to riding motorcycles, ATVs and other off road vehicles
We have many members that feel like wearing a helmet keeps them safer, THIS IS THEIR CHOICE.
Many other riders feel like a helmet restricts perifial vision and limits sounds, therefore making them more of an imcubrance than a help. Many riders would rather be killed in an accident rather than saved by a helmet only to to a vegatable for life and a burden on everyone else.
Whether you wear a helmet or not, safe riding is always watching out for the other guy.
As to why most Harley riders don't? Well thats just a mystery, maybe they are more mature and don't think they need to go 100mph between stop signs or do wheelies to "look cool".
We think helmets should be "up to the rider"
Freedom to choose
I love this country!!
Ride safe-----have fun
NO MATTER WHAT YOU RIDE !!!
MEMBER OF KISHWAUKEE VALLEY CHAPTER
ABATE of ILLINOIS
2007-06-21 02:03:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 18⤊ 5⤋
There is no mandatory helmet law in my state. Both Harley riders and others mostly ride without helmets. My guess is about 80% do not wear helmets and that percentage increases as the temperature rises. Seems like it doesn't matter if you're on a Harley or another brand, if given the choice, most riders would rather not wear one.
2007-06-22 06:05:28 · answer #2 · answered by BikerBob 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
In Arizona, I had the "choice" and always wore one. I only needed it one time. I walked away from that one. There is an asphalt "ring" around it. I Hit a fresh yellow crosswalk strip, that was not there the week before! I now wear a "Harley" full face, its not white tho. I believe in freedom to choose, I choose to wear one. I know my style, Im too throttle happy. Riding the AZ canyons tho, one mistake and a helmet is useless. My father has a helmet with 3 cracks on one side, a simple wreck. A car was in his lane and an evasive move made him slide out. He ruined his favorite suit. When he came home, he showed me the helmet. He felt he was alive because of it. The two best forms of insurance he told me was a good set of tires, and a good helmet. Got a ten dollar head, wear a ten dollar helmet. But I support the reason to choose, in Tennessee it is not choice. I will wear a helmet always, keeps the bugs off of my teeth!
2007-06-21 03:29:12 · answer #3 · answered by burn out 4 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I haven't really noticed...it seems more people don't than do wear helmets where I live (NW Ohio)...my boyfriend and I don't wear when we are out on his bike (definitely not a Harley, but a crotch rocket)...the others we ride with (most aren't Harleys) don't typically wear their's and when we go the bike night places on Wednesdays about the only (besides beginners) riders we see with helmets, regardless of the bike, are those from Michigan...where helmets are required.
2007-06-21 01:59:27 · answer #4 · answered by Sunidaze 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
First the particular state law is involved, whereas some state (PA in example) have revoked the " Helmet Law". However, it goes to CHOICE of the rider, which is why ABATE exists. When a Law dictates to where it removes personal choice in this type matter it becomes an oppressive law. This is NOT a Harley rider thing but everyone who rides.
2007-06-21 04:25:11 · answer #5 · answered by ramarro smith shadow 4 · 3⤊ 3⤋
I ride a Harley and I do wear a helmet. I definitely do not want to look like Dog the bounty hunter. In Texas, you have a choice to wear one or not. It also, depends on the state they live in.
Some of your answers are so out there.
you need to leave it up to the rider if they want bike safety.
Some of you guys really hit a nerve. Don't talk about things you don't know about!
2007-06-21 04:10:44 · answer #6 · answered by beckster 2 · 5⤊ 3⤋
Lots of riders choose not to wear helmets. For many older riders, laws didn't exist requiring that they wear them until the 1980's or beyond, and even then many of those laws were repealed. Helmet manufacturers have always pushed that laws be mandatory ($$), but local activists many times have successfully resisted these efforts.
Motorcycle riding is known by many as the ultimate freedom of expression...so those that feel that way often resist helmet use. Of course, since many Harley riders associate themselves with this freedom ( and are of the age to serve their country in the military ), they also choose to exercise choice when they ride their machines.
Ultimately, the choice of weather or not to wear a helmet is with the wearer...regardless of local laws. If one feels experienced enough..and confident enough, that they can ride without one without risking injury, then that is their choice. My state has a mandatory helmet law...yet I take occasion to ride without mine from time to time.
Then again, I risked for my country, and I supported our values for 50 years, so that is my right. Regardless of brand, that is the ultimate choice.
2007-06-21 02:29:43 · answer #7 · answered by James S 2 · 9⤊ 2⤋
I ride a Harley and I wear a helmet.
I'd like to know why sport bike riders ride wearing shorts and flip-flops. Any ideas on that one?
2007-06-21 03:23:19 · answer #8 · answered by Mark B 5 · 9⤊ 0⤋
A helmet saved this Harley owner's life...
2007-06-21 02:51:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 0⤋
Just to add to don c's comment, out here in California, since 1994, we do not have a choice of whether or not to wear a helmet.
2007-06-21 02:12:42 · answer #10 · answered by strech 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋