Helmet lang.

ryanteaguebeckwith — Tue, 08 May 2007 17:28:30 -0400

The House approved a more restrictive motorcycle helmet law this afternoon.

The bill would change the wording of the state statute on helmets to only allow bikers to wear helmets with chin straps that meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.

Opponents said that chin straps can be dangerous and warned that bikers would avoid North Carolina, hurting coastal tourism.

Rep. Cary Allred, a Burlington Republican, proposed two failed amendments to eliminate the chin-strap requirement and allow bikers to go helmet-free in 35-mph speed zones.

"People who ride motorcycles — like the speaker of the House — are fiercely individual people," he said.

The bill passed 92-24, to the dismay of a group of bikers in the gallery who said it would allow police officers to harass them.

"This law is going to allow discrimination against motorcyclists," said retiree David Gore, 49, of Raleigh.

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Helmet lang.