I am an Alabama resident, and my passion is riding motorcycles. To me, there's nothing more invigorating than the wind in my face as I explore the roads on my bike. Regrettably, the current Alabama legislation mandates that I wear a helmet when on my motorcycle. This regulation restricts my autonomy to make personal safety decisions and infringes on my personal freedoms.

In 1967, the federal government required all states to enact laws obligating motorcyclists to wear helmets, in order to quilify for and recieve specific programs and federal fu ding for highway improvements, but by 1975, many states had revoked these laws. By 2012, only 19 states and the District of Columbia required helmets for all riders. Alabama is among those states. Nevertheless, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that states without universal helmet laws reported more than twice as many motorcyclist deaths compared to states with universal helmet laws.

While I acknowledge the safety hazards involved with motorcycles, I believe every individual should have the option to choose their level of protective gear. Motorcycle riding is inherently risky, but the riders well understand these risks.

It is time to draw attention to this issue and call on Alabama lawmakers to reconsider the current helmet law. Give Alabama motorcycle riders the freedom to choose their safety gears. Please sign this petition to voice your support for riders' personal freedom and safety choice in Alabama.