Mandatory Helmet Bill

I am a 51-year-old responsible citizen and an avid motorcyclist. I am vehemently opposed to California Assembly Bill 7 which if passed and signed by Gov. Pete Wilson will mandate helmets for motorcyclists. I don’t know much about applicable accident statistics, which can probably be debated one way or another, but I do know what my heart tells me.

Almost seven years ago I contracted lung cancer, lost half my lung and was radiated every day for over five weeks. When it looked like I might be around a little longer, I did what I had been dreaming of since I was a teen-ager; I bought a Harley-Davidson. I completed a motorcycle safety course and took the motorcycle DMV test.

Since that time I have ridden close to 40,000 helmetless miles, with each one being everything I ever dreamed of. My right to ride helmetless should not be taken away. This may sound corny, but I believe this freedom is part of Americana, having to do and connected with other heart-stirring things such as cowboys, Native Americans, our flag, old saddles, the buffalo and admittedly probably a little Marlon Brando in “The Wild One.”

I ask all those who support mandatory helmets to answer one question: Would you put a helmet on Kevin Costner in “Dances With Wolves?”

JAMES D. EDGE

Laguna Niguel