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Crash helmet debate rages in Michigan
Michigan's motorcyclists' long battle for the right to ride without a crash helmet has culminated in the state house finally acceding to their demand, although they could as yet still be frustrated.
With masses of bikers having gathered outside, the house voted 66 to 37 in favour of allowing all riders aged 21 and over to ride without a helmet, although press reports say the ratification needed from governor Jennifer Granholm is unlikely to be forthcoming.
This is the latest stage in three decades' worth of effort to get the law making helmets compulsory for riders repealed. It is an achievement in itself in that for the first time in 30 years' of campaigning, Michigan's bikers have finally convinced both houses to back their cause.
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However, Ms Granholm has already vowed to veto the bill and her press secretary Liz Boyd commented: "The governor supports the current law, and no one has made a convincing argument that she should feel differently."
As many as 30 states across the US allow bikers to ride without a helmet and Michigan Republican party chairman Saul Anuzis has claimed such a change is inevitable in his own state, telling the gathered bikers: "If this governor doesn't sign [the bill], I guarantee you the next governor will."
However, opposition to change remains strong in other quarters as well, with the state section of the American Automobile Association voicing strong reservations over a potential rule change, drawing attention to figures that suggest it would increase the number of bikers killed in crashes.
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