In the 1970s, I was an area representative for United Bikers of Maine and had a hand in repealing the helmet law. At the time, I believed it was a freedom of choice issue. Although I still believe in freedom of choice over mandated laws, if I’d known that riding without a helmet was going to become a fashion statement and that people weren’t going to use their “freedom” to make the “right” choice, I would never have supported the repeal.

UBM has gone from the “freedom of choice” to “helmets will kill you,” and that is just not true. If you don’t believe it, instead of watching “American Chopper,” tune to a MotoGP race. Racers crash at over 150 mph and walk away. Try that without a helmet.

I lost my father due to a head injury when he fell off his ATV going just 3 mph. I have a friend who has been on assisted living for about two decades because he fell at a stop sign and hit his head without the protection of a helmet. His bike wasn’t moving.

I have many friends who are hoping the bill passes so they will have a “reason” to wear helmets.

The people in Augusta need to know that UBM does not speak for all motorcyclists in the state. They need to see past UBM’s smoke screen and pass this bill.

Mike Stackhouse,

Mason Township

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