Riding without Protection

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As I cruise along in my car, I can’t help but notice the constant changes on the roadways. It strikes me as one of the most perilous situations I’ve witnessed in my lifetime, and it’s all due to the recent decision in Michigan allowing motorcycle riders to forgo wearing helmets. A colossal mistake, in my opinion.

Having grown up riding dirt bikes, I was instilled with the value of wearing a helmet for safety. I wouldn’t have dreamt of getting on a motorcycle without one. I’ve lost count of how many times my helmet saved me from potential head injuries. My concern now is that with this law lifted, more lives will be lost unnecessarily. Just weeks into this new regulation, I’m already witnessing an uptick in motorcycle fatalities – a clear indicator that something is amiss.

Curiosity led me to question a local motorcycle rider about why they choose to ride without protection. To my astonishment, their responses were utterly baffling. “It’s about freedom, man,” they said, followed by the even more absurd, “Well, everyone has to die sometime.” I couldn’t believe my ears. Are they kidding me? Or here’s another gem: “It’s my choice.” To me, this only underscores the necessity of helmets; it seems their brains have already taken one too many knocks.

I can empathize with the notion of personal freedom and following one’s passion, but as I traverse the streets and encounter helmetless riders, I can’t help but think, as countless others surely do, “There goes an organ donor” or simply, “Another reckless individual.” Regardless of your personal beliefs, it just strikes me as plain foolish. I fail to see how it makes them appear cool or tough. Instead, they resemble a group of monkeys testing experimental motorcycles, and I can’t help but chuckle at their recklessness. It’s not only unsafe for them but also for anyone riding pillion.

Just last week in Grand Haven, I witnessed one of these riders with a young boy on the back of the bike. I assumed the young boy would need a helmet, as that’s what I understood from the new law. However, the father seemed oblivious, cruising down the street without a helmet, trying to emulate the image of a motorcycle gang member. Let me be clear: it doesn’t make you look cool, nor does it make you tougher than you were with a helmet. Come on, folks, prioritize your safety and the safety of others. Why is that so difficult to understand?

If someone can provide a single valid reason, devoid of the illogical reasoning that sounds like it came from someone intoxicated, high, or lacking education, explaining why it’s crucial to risk your life like this, I’ll gladly stop voicing my concerns. Until then, I’ll continue to wear my helmet without hesitation.

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