Motorcycles

Many motorcycle riders choose to not wear helmets because they feel helmets are uncomfortable. If a rider tries a modern helmet that fits properly and has an opportunity to get used to wearing it, he or she may decide that helmets are comfortable. Ideally, the rider may decide that the helmet’s comfort makes riding more enjoyable. A rider who wears a helmet for comfort also has the added benefit of U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved protection in a crash that could prevent or reduce injuries––or save the rider’s life.

Motorcycle riders, even those who choose to wear helmets, generally oppose mandatory helmet laws––but support rider education and the promotion of safe riding practices. DPS expected the Helmet Challenge would be of interest to the motorcycle safety industry and motorcycle riders. However, the Challenge would also be of interest to the general, non-motorcycling public unfamiliar with motorcycles, which generally believes that “all motorcycle riders should wear helmets.” The participants’ positive and negative reactions to the Challenge would help clarify the purpose, benefits and limitations of voluntary helmet use. This might show motorcycle riders that there may be something missing from their defensive riding systems and reduce the general public’s tendency to only see motorcycle riders in terms of whether or not they wear a helmet.

The focus of the Challenge was helmet comfort and not injury protection or prevention. Because helmets are a politically charged issue, DPS hoped to avoid the arguments associated with helmet “effectiveness” and concentrate solely on the less obvious reasons riders wear helmets.

DPS estimates voluntary helmet use in Minnesota at 36 percent. States that have recently repealed adult helmet laws report voluntary usage at about 50 percent two years after repeal. Therefore, DPS anticipated that 36 percent to 50 percent of the participants would want to continue to wear the helmet after the Challenge. Challenge results would be publicized through news releases to the motorcycle industry, local motorcycle organizations, clubs and businesses, news media and industry publications.

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