Created: March 19, 2008 11:36 AM
Modified: March 19, 2008 11:37 AM
Adult motorcycle riders would no longer have to wear helmets in Louisiana, under a bill that will be considered by the Legislature when it convenes at the end of this month.
The bill was filed by Sen. Eric LaFleur of Ville Platte in advance of the general legislative session. It would require cyclists under 21 to wear helmets, and give a choice to those 21 and older to either wear the gear or have at least $10,000 in health insurance coverage for injuries they might receive in an accident.
LaFleur's bill would repeal the law now in effect requiring all cyclists to wear helmets. If passed, the bill would take the law back to its status under then-Gov. Mike Foster.
Foster, a motorcycle rider, in 2000 convinced lawmakers to repeal a helmet law that had been in effect for 18 years.
Former Gov, Kathleen Blanco signed a law to reinstate the helmet requirement in 2004.
Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director James Champagne said LaFleur's bills will have a good chance of becoming law because there is a national movement by cycle advocates to get the 21 states with mandatory helmet laws to repeal them.
