LINCOLN- Under current Nebraska law, and since 1989, all motorcyclists are required to wear helmets while on the road. However, under a bill proposed by State Sen. Ben Hansen, LB91, riders may be able to do away with their helmet if they are over the age of 21 and have completed a basic safety certification course.

According to Hansen, his bill would still keep Nebraska as one of the most restrictive states in the region when it comes to helmets, but will give riders over a certain age the freedom to make a personal choice about their own safety. "I would personally wear a helmet and would encourage everyone else to wear one," Hasen told the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee, "But this is a risk they are free to take."

Backers of the proposed bill believe that current statute denies them a freedom granted by other states around the country, and argued that some motorcyclists avoid traveling through Nebraska so as to not be burdened by the law. Former State Sen. Dave Bloomfield, who fought for similar measures in past years, argued that Nebraska is losing out on thousands of riders who might stay in hotels, eat at restaurants, and spend their money in the state.

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