Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/122231
New Helmet Laws and You by JIM JONES North Carolina's no-helmet movement has been resuscitated in Raleigh. On March 26, the Members of the House Transportation Committee approved adult motorcyclists to ride without a helmet. I, for one, am all about freedom. A few weeks ago, I was talking with a man about us riding to this year's Sturgis Rally. He is in his 60s and is a Harley rider. I will be riding on my BMW. While talking he said, "You BMW boys sure do dress it up." I asked him what he meant, and he said that he noticed how well BMW people dressed up. I laughed and said, "Yeah, they send us newsletters that one day we will crash, and we are scared." I don't know why that is because they really don't say a word about safety gear, but you can spot a BMW guy a mile away; literally. Helmet laws may be changing in N.C. The thought is that it is the Harley riders that like to wear cut off shirts and no helmet. I believe that is a stereotype because there are a lot of people that will not wear a helmet when the new helmet option becomes law. I cannot tell anyone how to live his or her life, but I would like to point out a few things about this proposal and along with some thoughts according to Jim. A rider is responsible for his or her own ride. Dying is easy. If you crash or fall over and get killed, then your family and friends will have their hearts broken, and you will be missed. If you just bust your head and don't die, then all of the cards are on the table. Riders without helmets will be required to carry enough insurance coverage to cover the first $10,000 of their medical bills in the event of a crash. That is nothing in today's world of medical expenses. One hundred thousand dollars and up is more realistic for an average crash involving a head injury. This next statement is a fact, with or without a helmet. If you have severe brain damage not only will you but your family will pay the price. You will lose your income, and your family will have to take care of you. It always cracks me up when I see a guy who has his helmet, leather jacket, pants and boots driving down the road with a girl on the back in short-shorts and flip-flops. If you happen to pick up a passenger, you are responsible for their safety. I always enjoy taking a passenger, but I insist on a helmet, motorcycle protective jacket, gloves, pants and boots at a minimum just to go around the block. I had one wreck with a girl on the back and we went down on a wet railroad track. We were not going fast, but the second I hit the ground all I could think of was if she was hurt. She wasn't because she had on protective gear. Hurting someone else is just something that I don't want to have to live with. The bill has some stipulations. Riders will have to be over 21 years old. They must have at least one year of riding experience. When Representative John Torbett of Monroe (R), introduced the bill, he offered statistics to support his proposal stating that helmet laws do not reduce injuries or medical costs. Several safety and insurance groups offered their statistics in support to kill the bill. The vote was divided but has moved forward. Before this can become law, the legislation must be considered by the N.C. House Judiciary Committee, the full House and the Senate. If there is a topic that you would like to discuss, please send your comments JAMES JONES, Contributing and suggestions to motorcycle4fun@ Writer. COMMENTS? Editor@ upandcomingweekly.com. aol.com. RIDE SAFE! APRIL 20 • 8TH ANNUAL SPECIAL OLYMPICS TORCH RUN CHARITY RIDE at the Retired Military Association Building parking lot. Registration 8 a.m. Ride at 9:30 a.m. $15 covers ride, breakfast and lunch. Proceeds benefit N.C. Special Olympics program. Call 677-5595 for more information. APRIL 20 •CAPE FEAR HOG CANCER SOCIETY POKER RUN Registration at 11a.m., ride at noon. Free Pig picking, gifts, 50/50, door prizes and more Cal 624-0164 for more information. APRIL 27 • 8TH ANNUAL HOGS & RAGS RALLY AT ASOM Registration starts at 7:30 a.m. $30/add rider, food. Benefits Shriners Hospital for Kids, American Cancer Society and Kidsville News. APRIL 27 • NAM KNIGHTS OF AMERICA MC TAR HEEL CHAPTER OPEN HOUSE PARTY Food, 50/50 raffle, corn hole tourney, live music. $5 per person. 3 p.m. Contact speedy@tarheelnk.com for more information. APRIL 27 • RIDING FOR A REASON POKER RUN AND BBQ PLATE SALE at Riverside Sports Center. Registration 9 a.m. $20 per rider. Bake sale 50/50 raffle, music, auction. Call 759-8992 for more information. MAY 24-26 • SPRING FLING AT LEGEND'S PUB Call 867.2364 for more information. PATRIOT GUARD RIDERS The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse group of patriots from every state that come together to honor fallen soldiers at funeral services across the country. Visit www.patriotguard. org for more information about the group. Spring Fling • SAVE THESE DATES • May 24, 25 & 26 MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND All proceeds to benefit Kidsville USA For more information, call 4624 BRAGG BLVD. The Big Ones • April 27, Hogs and Rags Rally, Fayetteville, N.C. • May 10 to 19, Myrtle Beach Bike Week Spring Rally, Myrtle Beach, S.C. • August 5 to 11, Sturgis, S.D. • October 2 to 6, Myrtle Beach Bike Week Fall Rally, Myrtle Beach, S.C. • October 17 to 20, Biketoberfest, Daytona, Fla. NATIONAL AWARD-WINNING BARBECUE :AC= FA?@LK DAN= EMKA; ;9L=JAF? ;J9>L :==JK$ EA;JG:J=OK 9D=K 482 N. MCPHERSON CHURCH RD. | 910-354-2590 | MACSPEEDSHOP.COM 26 UCW APRIL 17-23, 2013 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM