Sorry, but this is not about respect, it is about causing bodily harm to someone out of negligent driving.
If you don't care for your auto insurance allowing no helmet usage, take your business elsewhere.

I have a lot of respect for respectful riders.

Those who keep their motorcycle's from rattling the windows on my house at 3am startling my six month old son awake.
Those who don't pull wheelies down my street in broad daylight at double the speed limit.
Those who make sure they and their passenger are wearing appropriate clothing and safety gear... sorry I don't feel helmets are optional, especially if you're a member of my health or auto insurance.

You want respect? Show me some.

"Wisconsin has a financial responsibility law. It is designed to make sure that any motorist licensed to drive in Wisconsin has insurance or enough money to pay for damages to others that may be caused by a motor vehicle. These requirements may be met through a motor vehicle liability insurance policy, a surety bond, personal funds, or certificate of self-insurance. Details are available at the Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Hill Farms State Office Building, 4802 Sheboygan Ave., Madison, WI 53702." Apparently insurance is only one option for the financial responsibility requirement, but I wonder how many uninsured drivers choose to satisfy any of the other requirements. And why can an illegal Mexican national get a Wisconsin driver's license and drive without any insurance or financial responsibility? Would I be afforded the same courtesy in Mexico? And don't get started on any **** about racism, this is about the law and financial responsibility.

Apparently I was misinformed regarding insurance requirements. I would then propose that Wisconsin require liability insurance for all vehicle owners and drivers and require that they carry proof of coverage. It is completely unfair that someone who does the right thing and takes responsibility for his actions ends up being victimized by those who will not.

Wisconsin does NOT require insurance. They do require "proof of financial responsibility" but only after having a financial judgement levied against them...and then, usually only AFTER an "at fault" accident.

Wisconsin law does require insurance, but many people drive without it. I would propose requiring driver liability insurance, separate from vehicle insurance, as a requirement to obtain and keep a driver's license.

From curtaincall, "You are hard to see at times. I always check lanes before I merge into another. But you are the one on the bike you need to be the one to be on alert".

That is the exact type of logic that creates many of the accidents in the 1st place, not just motorcycle accidents but all vehicle types.
The number one accident type related to motorcyclists is another on coming vehicle turning left in front of the motorcycle.
This happens because the other driver has your attitude of your on the cycle you worry about it. Don't you value life? If you cannot see a 700 pound motorcycle with a light on and an adult rider, just how are you going to see the young kid running out in the street to retrieve a ball?

wearing a helmet is a 'no-brainer'. shouldnt wearing a helmet actually be a 'brainer':) lol

1. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that motorcycle helmets reduce the likelihood of crash fatality by 37 percent.2 Norvell and Cummings found a 39 percent reduction in the risk of death after adjusting for age, gender, and seat position.3 Helmets are highly effective in preventing brain injuries, which often require extensive treatment and may result in lifelong disability. In the event of a crash, unhelmeted motorcyclists are three times more likely than helmeted riders to suffer traumatic brain injuries.
2a.California's helmet use law covering all riders took effect on January 1, 1992. Helmet use jumped to 99 percent from about 50 percent before the law.12 During the same period, the number of motorcyclist fatalities in California decreased 37 percent to 327 in 1992 from 523 in 1991.
2b. From 1968 to 1977, Texas had a universal helmet use law estimated to have saved 650 lives, but the law was amended in 1977 to apply only to riders younger than 18. The weakened law coincided with a 35 percent increase in motorcyclist fatalities....But in September 1997, Texas again weakened its helmet law, requiring helmets only for riders younger than 21. Helmet use in Texas dropped to 66 percent by May 1998, and operator fatalities increased 31 percent in the first full year following the repeal.
3. Kentucky repealed its universal helmet law in 1998, followed by Louisiana in 1999. These actions resulted in lower helmet use, and quickly increased motorcyclist deaths in these states by 50 percent and 100 percent, respectively.
4.In 2000, Florida's universal helmet law was weakened to exempt riders 21 and older who have at least $10,000 of medical insurance coverage. An Institute study found that the motorcyclist death rate in Florida increased by about 25 percent after the state weakened its helmet law. An estimated 117 deaths could have been prevented during 2001-02 if the law had not been changed.

Helmets save lives. I don't really care if they wear one or not but there is no arguing the point.
If you're interested:
http://www.iihs.org/research/qanda/helme...
Check out the impact of helmets on medical expenses as well.

My husband & I used to have a bike & we used to love to just go out for short rides together. Didn't belong to a group or go on poker runs just loved to ride. Can't tell you the countless times that vehicles would just pull out right in front of us & how many times my heart leaped into my throat. Then a few years ago it happend to my husband when he was on the bike alone & he had to lay the bike down. Didn't get hurt too bad, no hospital stay or long term injuries but totalled the bike. I haven't been able to get on a bike since, there are just too many drivers out there that just don't seem to see the bikes. I drive a car every day too, I can see them.

Why ruin a perfectly good helmet?

I am completely unsure where people are getting this information attributed to the state patrol about mufflers etc. I have been building and riding custom motorcycles for over 30 years now. Harley Davidson and others. Every custom motorcycle I build has to be state inspected in order to obtain a title and registration. I have as yet, never had a motorcycle fail to pass a state inspection due to straight pipes and no mufflers.
The only time you can be ticketed for this is if your being stupid and inconsiderate purposely creating excessive noise. That will however be what the ticket will read, excessive noise. There will be no equipment violations attached to it.
I as well, am a firm believer in the premise of “Let those who ride decide” as to the requirements of wearing helmets. If you do look at statistics, states who have reverted to Helmet mandatory have no better safety statistic then those who do not require helmets, If you do your comparison of fatalities per number of licensed riders and per number of months per year weather allows, your helmet mandatory states have no better record then your non-helmet states. You will actually find that when there is a slight difference, it actually leans toward the non-helmet states. This argument for helmets usually originates from some lawmaker who doesn’t ride and is attempting to get some federal highway money for his state. I will add in closing that all this information is available to anyone who cares enough to research it, but I have to say that I usually find with most people, that they have there opinions even if contrary to the facts and based on “hearsay” or “Somebody told me once” are not much interested in the facts if it doesn’t line up with there own visions of the truth.

Yeah, motorcycle accidents and rape. Pretty much the same thing if you really think about it.

Bikes, the non-motorized kind, are a safety hazard and should be banned from major roads. Puting the onus on the operators of motor vehicles for bike-riders' safety is a joke, as they don't pay attention to traffic or traffic laws most of the time. Like everybody else, they want the rights, but never take responsibility.

would everyone be saying the same thing about bicyclists? Bikes, whether motorized or not, have equal rights to the road. Your Driver's Ed teacher probably spent most of his/her time telling you to check over your shoulder before changing lanes, look in your mirrors and be a defensive driver.

I am surprised by the way people are reacting to this story. I have read everything from "Owning the road" to "Obnoxious noisemakers."

The truth is riders need to more aware than every other vehicle in traffic. A simple 25 MPH fender bender for a car can result in a dead motorcyclist.

I ride every nice day I can in the summer, and I can't count on two hands how many split second moves on my part have saved me from a wreck from a bad move by an inattentive driver.

The lesson I got from my parents when I got my drivers license before I drove for the first time was, "You are in control of a deadly weapon, treat it that way." The lesson I got when I rode for the first time was, "You have to be smart enough for yourself, and everyone around you."

Please watch out for bikes, we're just trying to get to work and go home again.

The point of the story was to make people more aware of motorcyclist. Weather they are wearing helmets or not--or if the bike is noisy or not is not the point of the article. Not wearing a helmet or having loud pipes will not cause an accident. I am a motorcyclist that believes that helmets are a personal choice and I also think that bikes and cars can be too loud(weather it is the pipes or the stereo system). So please watch out for me and my fellow riders when you are on the road. Thanks in advance.

4567, You can donate the day of the run, or let me know what you have and I'll make arrangments to pick it up...Thank you !!!

I messed up on a statement I made earlier, Lab safety matches EMPOYEES of theres to witch they contribute, I'm sorry if I misled anyone with this...

How are we able to donate?

enufsaid---Excellent question. I dont know why I dont. I've watched my twin deal with a brain injury from falling off a horse, so I know first hand what the consequences can be. But you are correct, for now, it is a personal choice.

I am not so certain its the muffler that makes that gosh awful noise. A friend who rides told me its something some put on their bikes to make them louder , so that people notice them. But they are illegal. But I am not so sure its the muffler it self.

Kind of like kids who put 'pipes?' on their cars and trucks.. just noise makers.

Yes but each city has its own laws and ordinances regarding noise. If they think its excessive they can ticket you.

If you check with the state patrol they will tell you certain things are considered illegal unless factory installed, they even tell you that at the Harley Davidson store right here in Janesville.

Need to take a close look at the State law for mufflers and noise for those making an issue of it.

Wisconsin state motorcycle laws

Safety Helmet Required by law under age 18, required for instructional permit holders
State Funded Rider Ed Available for all eligible applicants-required under age 18
Eye Protection Required by law for instructional permit holders unless equipped with windscreen which is 15" or higher above handlebars
Daytime Use of Headlight Required by law-modulating headlight permitted
Passenger Seat Required if carrying a passenger
Passenger Footrest Required if carrying a passenger
Passenger Age Restriction None
Helmet Speakers No Restrictions
Periodic Safety Inspection Required by law-random
Mirror Left(L) Right(R) One required by law
Radar Detector No Restriction
Turn Signals Required by law
Muffler No acoustical criteria.
Maximum Sound Level No acoustical criteria.
State Insurance Requirements Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(25/50/10) - Financial responsibility required.
Handlebar Height Maximum of 30" above seat

One more thing, if you have any suggestions that will help us raise more money for them, PLEASE, I will listen!!!

yes we will gladly take money donations too, No cash please, you can make checks payable to St. Jude Childrens research Hospital.. Thank you to all ahead of time for helping..It's a great cause!!!

YES, and YOU DO NOT HAVE TO RIDE TO ATTEND!!! It's $10.00 per person and thers 5 stops total. ANY form of tansportation!!! I'm looking for anything that can be raffled off or I'm trying to put together a nice package with limo ride, resort stay, dinner for 2,maybe flowers all together so we can sell tickets the day of!!! We will take pretty much anyting!! Come out that day, weather permitting, it should be a great time and helping kids is always worth coming together for...Oh, And were trying to get a stylist to do "Lock-of-Love" So anyone wanting to cut their hair off....Save it that day and make a little girl with cancer really happy!!!

O.K. so basically just money donations?

I don't know I don't ride. You take donations from non- riders?

Seriously what type of things are you looking for?

I do have question...I am helping with the St. Judes benefit run and collection of donations, If anyone could or would help it would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!! It's a poker run on July 12th, starting at Hammy's in Janesville(10-noon Sign up) and ending at Broken Spoke in Darien. If anyone would like to donate I have tax slips for your donations. I know some company's will match or go bigger on donations of this sort. Lab Safety will donate 3 times what you do!!Awesome,huh?! Anyways, let's give kids a fighting chance!!!!

Thank you bennetonf1 , exactly.

In a accident yet still does not know enough to wear a helmet? Is that right?

Ummmmm....
Loud pipes save lives?!?!?!?!?
Then why are ambulance/fire truck/squad car sirens facing forward?
Would it not make more sense to have you exhaust face forward or, at least turn out to the side?
I think it's more of a "Hey look at me everyone!"
Macho bull**it is what it is........

Thank you...I didn't write the poem, just recieved it after my accident...

Sorry justmythoughts I'm not quoting statistics I'm expressing just my thoughts.
I do not advocate helmet laws. In fact, I'm against them. If you are old enough to obtain a license you should be wise enough to make up your own mind.
*
Sorry to hear about your bud......

justmythoughts, your poem was that biker wearing a helmet or not?

justmythougts- I don't think anyone would intentionally hit a motorcyclist. You are hard to see at times. I always check lanes before I merge into another. But you are the one on the bike you need to be the one to be on alert.

Maybe they should make a motorcycle lane like they do bicycle lanes.

I think the comments by these riders shows they think they are 'special' own the road, and should be allowed to make as much noise as possible.

I do know for a fact there are certain things unless they are factory installed you can not have them on your bike.

But some riders do it any way, either they install them or find someone who will.

IF a bike seems really loud, louder than the most in a group or what you normally hear. If it is something that makes you turn your head and go ' What the heck was that' You can bet its illegal.

I live on a busy street and I call the police on people who driving in cars or on motorcycles.

Follow the law and don't draw attention to your self and you will be fine.

The rest of us don't have to put up with it.

ALSO as far as the police being called in the other post.

Police normally won't talk about tickets issued until it has gone to court.

Some will though it just depends. Like anything in life who you talk to .

If you want to wear a helmet wear one, if you don't that should be the riders choice. The government already intrudes into our lives way too much. When are people going to learn that you can't legislate everything in a persons life. It's getting to the point now that you are probably breaking a law everyday, one that you don't even know exists. Everyone has a pet peeve about something that they disagree with, and somebody might not like something you are doing, just how far do we want to go with enacting laws against everything that somebody thinks there should be a law for or against.

JUST A BIKER
I saw you pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk
But you didn't see me playing Santa at the local mall
I saw you change your mind about going into the restaurant
But you didn't see me attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief
I saw you roll up your window and shake your head when I rode by
But you didn't see me riding behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window
I saw you frown at me when I smiled at your children
But you didn't see me when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless
I saw you stare at my long hair
But you didn't see me and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love
I saw you roll your eyes at our leather coats and gloves
But you didn't see me and my brothers donate our old coats and gloves to those that had none
I saw you look in fright at my tattoos
But you didn't see me cry as my children were born and have their name written over and in my heart
I saw you change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere
But you didn't see me going home to be with my family
I saw you complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be
But you didn't see me when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane
I saw you race down the road in the rain
But you didn't see me get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date
I saw you run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time
But you didn't see me trying to turn right
I saw you cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in
But you didn't see me leave the road
I saw you waiting impatiently for my friends to pass
But you didn't see me, I wasn't there
I saw you go home to your family
But you didn't see me
Because, I died that day you cut me off
I WAS JUST A BIKER; A person with friends and a familyBut you didn't see me
Repost this around in hopes that people will understand the biker community
I hope you never lose someone that rides

I'm with you roadking!!!

I don't think justmythoughts should be driving anything, sounds like a bit of a nut.

NO we live a block up from the bar. My brother is a bartender and heard all about it.

Don't be so shocked bikers get stopped all the time.

Maybe we could belt all the haters into a helmet and abort them.

So you called the police from the bar?

by the way how we know what they got ticketed for was a couple of the biker's went BACK to the bar after they were stopped. They were talking about it.

They live in Brodhead and decided there day was done and did not go on with the group.

And the police just decided that you should be aware that they had illegal things on their bikes? I wasn't aware that I could just ask officers what they found and they would freely tell me!!! Thanks for that info...

Helmets are a choice, just like abortion!! Helmets CAN save a life, but they can also snap your neck!! I was in a accident last April 29th on 51 coming into Janesville. I was the passenger. My friend driving died, NOT of head injuries, but because of hitting a sign and blunt trama to his torso. Neither one of us had ANY HEAD TRAMA AT ALL!!!

Right outside of Orfordville. Rock county responded. They were the one's who made the call that there was illegal items on those bikes.

They had stopped at the bar in town, so it did not take Rock County long to catch up with them.

You are right many do look like outlaws. Thanks for reinforcing that .

rims, you walked up to all those BAD bikers last week you called the police on and looked at their bikes and saw what was legal and what wasn't huh? Wow, I'm surprised they didn't kill you or rape your wife and small children for being a rat!!!Where was this at that this happened? If no answer to that I can amagine it's not true!!!

I have friends who ride helmet-less. They are pretty courteous riders.

I have even heard them say things to other riders about not doing certain things. They know it only takes a few bad riders to tarnish the image.

All the time I am asking them where is your helmet?

It's funny they go on road trips and have to wear helmets in other states , so they have them.

Motorcycle accidents are ugly, the motorcyclist never wins, it is only commons sense to wear your helmet.

It is selfish not to, you have family and friends that care about you, even if you don't care about your self enough to take precautions.

Do you get the feeling that 'justmythoughts' is a obnoxious rider?

Not all riders are obnoxious. But their comments are pretty telling of what kind of rider they are.

Think they own the road.
Think they have the right to make as
much noise as they want.

I called the local p.d. on a bunch of riders last weekend and they were ticketed for several violations. Noise being one of them.

Several of them had items on their bikes that are not even legal.

I will continue to call the police as long as they continue to be loud and obnoxious.

I never wore a seatbelt until I met my first person with a head injury from an automobile accident. Until that point in time I thought the worst thing that could happen to me would be that I would get killed in a car accident.

I spent my youth riding my bike all over town, no helmet (I don't think there even was any such thing then). But now, I won't ride without one. I am under no illusion that wearing a seatbelt or a bike helmet will save me in any situation but I guess I would like to hedge my bets.

Wear a helmet or not, motorcycling is DANGEROUS. Virtually everyone I know with a motorcycle has at least once been in an accident because an auto driver did not see them. A cousin was in just such an accident in Arizona a few years ago. He's alive but he will never be the same, probably never be able to support himself or marry and have a family. He will indeed need Medicare support for the rest of his life.

Just my thoughts you are a dandy. You would not know what I know. F.Y.I. insurance company's are already working with reps, to get the helmet law in place in Wisconsin. I work insurance. So yes I do know. It will happen.

It's to bad they don't raise money with out being sound xxxx obnoxious.

We raised hundreds of thousands of dollars a couple of weeks ago for march of dimes . Did not take a noisy, obnoxious bunch of people to do it. Just peaceful walking.

What about the rest of time when you are not raising money? How do you explain the behavior the rest of the time?

It's really to bad but a few bad bikers reflects on all.

Now Pat, read slowly this time I said "We raise more money then most" Not then everyone!! And as far as the helmet law, You have NO idea!!!

Just my thoughts you are full of it, arrogant as well to think you make more money for charity than those that don't ride. baloney. Yes it's clear you don't wear a helmet as your common sense obviously has been shaken.

The helmet law will be reinstated, it may take time but it will.

bennetonfl, please inform me of where you get your info about helmets?

Pat, I beleive your the obnoxious one!!! We raise more money then most,I beleive the MDA Tub run reached their Million dollar goal last year, from bikers!!! Theres, BAD (Bikers Against Diabetis), Janesville is doing a St Jude Children reasch Hospital run this year, How about that big Parade in the fall when it's really cold out, (To cold for you to help) for Toys for Tots!!! How about when someone has cancer, or lost their house to fire, ect. and they put on benefits to help the families out!!!What have YOU done??? I've never seen a group of people come together for the good of something other then Bikers, so what that we're loud!!! Loud, some of us beleive loud pipes, saves lives!!!When people like you are to busy with their nose in the air and don't pay attention, we need to be loud so you don't kill us!!!!!

ATGATT:
All
The
Gear
All
The
Time

jackson1
Please do NOT wear your helmet. Thinking that helmets do not save live is pure ignorance. Sure there are certain (rare) cases where they could not help but the benifits far outweigh the drawbacks.
Next I'd bet you'll tell me that seatbelts should not be worn JUST in case the car catches fire or becomes submereged in water.
OY!

They need to reinstate the helmet law and it will eventually happen. I am sorry there are more obnoxious, rude motorcycle riders than there are good ones. They think they own the road and can be as loud as they want to be.

They make WAY to much of their charity work, many other people do charity work that would never do of getting on a motorcycle.

When there brains are splattered all over the road , and you LIVE who is going to pay your medical bill? Because your insurance will run out , for those of you who even have insurance.

The tax payers thats who.

I would also like to point out that on several occasions, I have been driving down a highway, like 51 or 26 (between milton and fort), and come across several bikers that are riding on the yellow lines. This is dangerous when there is a hill and the drivers on the other side cannot see you. It is unsafe for anyone to ride on the yellow lines. Just an observation, it really boggles my mind when I am behind some bikes riding like that.

Yes, justmy..., your post supports my definition of a biker: A biker is just a person with a motorcycle and a costume. Don't be afraid of the costume. Unless the costume is accompanied by a severe grooming problem, in which case be leery of a gross disconnection from reality.

JUST A BIKER
I saw you pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk
But you didn't see me playing Santa at the local mall
I saw you change your mind about going into the restaurant
But you didn't see me attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief
I saw you roll up your window and shake your head when I rode by
But you didn't see me riding behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window
I saw you frown at me when I smiled at your children
But you didn't see me when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless
I saw you stare at my long hair
But you didn't see me and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love
I saw you roll your eyes at our leather coats and gloves
But you didn't see me and my brothers donate our old coats and gloves to those that had none
I saw you look in fright at my tattoos
But you didn't see me cry as my children were born and have their name written over and in my heart
I saw you change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere
But you didn't see me going home to be with my family
I saw you complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be
But you didn't see me when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane
I saw you race down the road in the rain
But you didn't see me get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date
I saw you run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time
But you didn't see me trying to turn right
I saw you cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in
But you didn't see me leave the road
I saw you waiting impatiently for my friends to pass
But you didn't see me, I wasn't there
I saw you go home to your family
But you didn't see me
Because, I died that day you cut me off
I WAS JUST A BIKER; A person with friends and a familyBut you didn't see me
Repost this around in hopes that people will understand the biker community
If you don't repost this, It sucks to be you
I hope you never lose someone that rides

Well whyohwhy - why don't you wear yours then if you think its a no brainer? Just curious (not trying to be mean or anything here). I've been riding many years and make no apologies for not wearing one. It's not a law so it's my choice. I firmly believe "let those who ride decide". Good article here. Please be aware of your surroundings as you're driving - it only takes a split second to change a bikers life forever!

I honestly don’t understand why they haven’t reinstated the helmet law. I personally do not wear one, but it really is a no-brainer to use them. And seeing how you can get a ticket for not wearing a seat belt and children have to be in boosters till 8 yrs old, it’s only a matter of time before helmets are back to stay!