Bob Marantette of the Forbidden Wheels Club in Brighton expresses his joy Friday over the repeal of the helmet law. (Daniel Mears / The Detroit News)

I read the other day that Michigan had repealed it’s helmet law and how abate and supporters were thrilled with the born-again freedom to ride helmet free.

Some of the reasoning behind this change seemed asinine like the governor’s office claimed, “many riders won’t visit Michigan because they don’t want to wear a helmet”. I mean come on, there are several states that require helmets and most riders simply take a barely legal helmet with them to use for days while crossing helmet states. I find it difficult to believe that someone would go around a state simply due to a helmet law, but then stranger things have been realized.

Whether or not one agrees with helmet laws or not, it’s established that wearing a helmet reduces one’s risk. When helmet laws are repealed, it effects all riders in that insurance rates are increased. I believe that since I choose to wear a helmet regardless of the laws, I should be provided with a lesser insurance rate than those that throw caution to the wind. My insurance rates should not be affected by their decision to go helmet free.

Many people don’t want states micromanaging their rights, but until insurance companies change their policies and reduce the rates for those donning helmets and managing risk, I believe helmets will remain mandatory for all riders in many places. Some states currently only require helmets for riders 17 years of age and younger as show on the map below.

What are your thoughts on helmet laws and how insurance rates reflect whether or not a state requires a helmet? It’s a daunting subject!