Disclaimer: I have never owned, driven, or ridden a traditional two-wheel motorcycle. I sat on one owned by my late brother. But in more than five decades as a reporter I have covered numerous accidents involving motorcycles with any variety of other vehicles. I have seen dead bodies and spent time waiting and praying in hospital emergency rooms. I have also covered countless hours of debate about repealing the helmet law.
That said, I must admit I was surprised that the 2023 Legislature passed such a bill (LB91 amended to LB138) to remove the state’s helmet law for riders aged 21 and older who have completed a motorcycle safety course and agree to wear shatterproof protective eye equipment or have a windshield on their bike.
But I shouldn’t have been, given that this Legislature appeared to collectively bristle at laws being shoved down their throats by government. Remember abortion and transgender health care?
