My husband and I are avid motorcycle riders and members of A.B.A.T.E. which is an organization dedicated to preserving the rights of all motorcyclists. I have my own bike, as does my hubby.
In Illinois, we also do not have any mandatory helmet laws. If people CHOOSE not to wear helmets, it is their choice and their choice alone. It shouldn't be government mandated by people who don't ride. We don't need babysitters. Personally, I CHOOSE to wear my helmet, ALWAYS. My husband CHOOSES not to, unless it's raining, then he puts his helmet on. My whole point is that it is a personal choice and shouldn't be something that's mandated by the government or by people that don't ride motorcycles.
A very large number of motorcycle-car accidents are caused by the CAR driver "not seeing" the motorcyclist or failing to yield to the motorcyclist! I can't tell you how many times I've witnessed people turning left or pulling out in front of a biker, completely disregarding their right of way! If people OPENED their eyes, got off their cell phones, stopped putting on their makeup, etc. in their cars and actually WATCHED the road, maybe we could cut down on some very serious crashes and/or fatalities. It's not helmet laws that are the issue, creating awareness with car and truck drivers through education is really is the issue.
LET THOSE WHO RIDE DECIDE!!!