When we met, Burl discovered my secret longing to buy a motorcycle and ride across the country. Apparently that sealed the deal for him! Buying the first motorcycle was easy – we found a used cobalt blue Goldwing – the price was right, we both liked the color and it was ours.
The second bike came down to the fact that we could only agree on one color – RED! Since that color was being taken out of the Honda lineup after 2004, we sold the first bike and bought a red one with matching trailer and it’s still providing lots of fun for us both.
Concerning motorcycles, there’s one topic where we agree 100%.
Helmets.
We wear them – even if we’re riding the motorcycle in our own driveway. We don’t get on the bike without them.
However, our state congressmen have finally succumbed to pressure and both chambers have now passed a bill that would no longer make motorcycle helmets mandatory in Missouri. The bill is on Governor Nixon’s desk awaiting his signature and if signed, will become law on August 28, 2009.
Among the prevailing arguments is the fact that Missouri is allegedly losing tourist dollars to bordering states that don’t have helmet laws. Yep folks, it’s the almighty tourist dollar that our legislators are after. Forget the fact that those motorcyclists who crash (and live) while not wearing helmets will certainly have a negative impact on healthcare costs. Let’s make sure we bring in the tourists – even if we end up housing them in hospitals.
If you feel as strongly as I do, now is the time to contact Governor Jay Nixon and Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder to let them know your position on SCS/SB-202.
The fastest way to do so is to visit Governor Nixon’s “constituent services” website area(select “Legislation” from dropdown “Subject” menu) and Lt. Governor Kinder’s “submit a question or comment” website area(enter “SCS/SB-202″ on “Subject” line) to respectfully request that they veto SCS/SB-202.
I urge any readers who support helmet laws (and not lack thereof) to please make your voice heard.
The life of someone you love may be at risk.
PS – doesn’t matter what the law says, we will still be wearing our helmets.
I can say that IF you want to wear a helmet THATS GREAT but some of us DON,T want to. How would you like it if they said YOU MUST WEAR LEATHERS when on a motorcycle even when its 95 degrees because IF you fall it will help you from road rash. OR maybe they would tell you THE ONLY COLOR YOU CAN RIDE IS A YELLOW bike because its easy to see? Dont get me wrong I am not saying I wouldn,t wear a helmet Im saying it SHOULD BE MY CHOICE!!! But I carry enough insurance to cover whatever can happen