To helmet or not to helmet (Georgia) - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

easypete · 01-27-2006, 11:49 AM

I know this has been beaten to death.... Georgia requires a helmet, but now there's something to think about.

This year, there will be a bill in front of the state congress that may modify the helmet law in Georgia. It looks like it may pass. You may be able to ride without a helmet if you meet one of 2 quailifications:

1. You have had a motorcycle license for 2 years.
- or -
2. You have taken the MSF course.

First off... I'm not too happy about #2. I've been around a few people that have taken this course, and wouldn't want to ride with them until they've had a few miles under their belt. I'm hoping that they will use their new found knowledge from the course and decide to wear a helmet... but the choice, in the end, will be theirs. I think there should be a time limitation on this as well... like maybe MSF course and 6 months w/ license.

From the time I turned 18 years old (many, many moons ago) I didn't wear a helmet on a motorcycle (except in cold weather) while in Kansas. I can't see myself riding w/o a helmet now. I say that, but then again, when I was in Illinois about 3 months ago, I rode my cousin's Ninja 1300 (with turbo kit) sans head gear, pushing well over 100+ mph. I didn't think twice about it. That's what scares me.

I enjoy the right to choose. I didn't like the helmet law when I moved to Georgia, but dang.... it's been a comfort thing not to have to think about it, or make the decision.

Maybe I'm just rambling. When I first heard of this, I was happy... Now, I'm a bit scared.

Has there been any states/provinces that repealed helmet laws recently? How did this impact people here (if they've had experience with this)?

Have there been people that moved from helmet law state to no-helmet law state? Do you still wear your helmet? What was the reason for your decision?

More than likely, I will still wear the helmet... traffic in the ATL would be no fun w/o... but there may be that out-of-town ride that may just sway me to the dark side.

- EP