AAA released a statement saying, "The law will result in at least 30 additional motorcycle fatalities each year and $129 million in added economic costs"
MARQUETTE -- It's a victory for Michigan bikers everywhere: a decades-long battle to ride helmet free. And the response from supporters and members of the American Bikers Aiming Toward Education, or ABATE, is loud and clear.
"Reaction that I've seen so far has been euphoric; that may be too small a word," said ABATE Regional Officer Lewis Kellogg.
On Friday, Governor Rick Snyder signed the bill into law, joining 30 other states. The three requirements: you must be 21 or older, have at least two years of riding experience, and an additional $20,000 of medical insurance.
On Facebook, Heather Pizziola wrote, "I think it's reckless not to wear one, it's for your safety."
And Jayne Walbridge added, "I guess I just don't get it."
And neither do some Michigan agencies that say the repeal is likely to be deadly. The American Automobile Association released a statement saying, "The law will result in at least 30 additional motorcycle fatalities each year and $129 million in added economic costs."
"The only increase we're going to see here in Michigan is going to be for the motorcyclists with this extra $20,000," Kellogg said.
At the Harley-Davidson store in Marquette, employees say they're happy about the decision. In fact, they say the economic turn could be for the better. Phone calls from riders who spent their money in other states haven't stopped.
"We've had several folks calling us up and saying that they would like to visit our area now that there's no helmet law," said Parts Manager David Zambon.
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