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SB 174: Really, folks, teenagers have impervious heads (so do legislators)

I am not sure how I survived my parents’ neglect without ever wearing a bicycle helmet, but with SB 174,Senator Margaret Rose Henry (D-Wilmington East) wants to make sure that my own children have been protected by the state.

Anyone under age fifteen already has to wear a state-approved helmet “when operating bicycles and motorized scooters and skateboards (which can attain speeds up to 35-40 m.p.h.),” and now Senator Henry wants to extend the loving arms of the government’s protection to 16 and 17 year olds.

She notes, without the slightest sense of irony in quoting an industry lobbying group, that “the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute supports mandatory helmet laws for all age groups.”

Isn’t that a surprise? Next you’ll tell me that the Pantyhose Integrity Institute suggests that consumers purchase new stockings whenever they detect a run.

This turkey would seem not only stupid and an example of how we’re paying our legislators too much, if it weren’t ominous.

If the General Assembly actually moves to require individuals old enough to drive automobiles to wear bicycle helmets (or else), then the only difference between them and you is that they weren’t old enough to buy cigarettes or vote these clowns out of office.

This bill is currently in the Public Safety Committee, which is a really good place for it.

Especially if they have a shredder.

Comments

A subject near and dear to my heart. As a motorcyclist, I was appalled at the introduction of Senate Bill 46 last year (which will still be alive next session) mandating helmets for motorcyclists.

While I think people should wear helmets, I do not think it should be a decision mandated by the State.

It's not the device, it's the law, however we find ourselves fighting the device when the safety nannies get in town.

This bill is also in the Public Safety Committee. I will work hard to make sure it stays there.

Keep the shredder plugged in.

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