LINCOLN- Barely a week after the Nebraska Legislature voted to repeal the state's motorcycle helmet mandate, and according to local law enforcement agencies, there has already been a large uptick in motorcyclists riding without their helmets. Although no concrete date has been released, the Lincoln Police Department and Lancaster County Sheriff's Office each reported this week that street officers have observed a noticeable increase in the practice.

The main problem, according to the agencies, is that Nebraska's helmet mandate, which has been in place since 1989, doesn't expire until January 1st. "From now until then," said Chief Deputy Sheriff Ben Houchin, "you still need to wear a helmet." Until then, according to Houchin and the Sheriff's Office, helmetless riders risk earning a $50 fine for violating the mandate, despite the passage of Sen. Hansen's LB138, which kills the mandate.

When the bill officially becomes law in January, motorcyclists or passengers over the age of 21 will be allowed to ride without a helmet, provided they complete a basic motorcycle safety course and submit proof of completion to the state's Department of Motor Vehicles. According to date from the Department of Transportation, over 86% of motorcyclists killed in Nebraska crashes were wearing helmets. However, in states like Missouri, where similar repeals have passed, motorcyclist fatalities increased by 35% over a one-year period.

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