Senate Sends Cycle Helmet Law to Governor

The state Senate gave final legislative approval Thursday to a bill that would require motorcyclists and their passengers to wear safety helmets. The measure was sent to Gov. Pete Wilson on a 22-10 vote.

Wilson has indicated he will sign the bill, which is virtually identical to those previously approved by the Legislature but vetoed by former Gov. George Deukmejian. The latest measure, by Assemblyman Richard Floyd (D-Carson), would become law on Jan. 1.

Failure to wear a helmet would be punishable by a $100 fine for the first offense. Fines would be stiffer for subsequent violations. Currently, only motorcycle passengers under age 15 1/2 must wear protective headgear.

The bill was supported by physicians, hospitals, safety groups, police and the Wilson Administration. It was opposed by a variety of motorcyclist organizations, including one called Bikers Against Manslaughter.

Sen. Art Torres (D-Los Angeles) said injuries to cyclists who do not wear safety helmets cost California taxpayers up to $100 million a year in medical care and other costs. He said taxpayers are “being forced to pay for” injuries suffered by riders who exercise their right not to wear a helmet.

But Sen. Ed Davis (R-Santa Clarita) argued that helmets are dangerous because they can block a rider’s peripheral vision and hearing. “I think the safety fascists have gone too far in crafting this bill,” Davis said, claiming that their credo is, “We are going to protect you even if we kill you in the process.”