Pennsylvania Motorcycle Helmet Law Under Fire

April 2007

Pennsylvania State Representative Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) has introduced legislation attempting to repeal a state law that makes helmet usage optional for some motorcycle riders. Citing rising associated medical costs and an increase in motorcycle deaths, proponents of the legislation would like to see helmets mandatory for all PA riders.

Current PA motorcycle law allows bikers 21 years and over to ride without wearing a helmet if they have been licensed to ride for two years or if they have completed a state-approved safety class. This measure went into effect in 2003, after nearly 30 years of lawmakers and lobbyists fighting to make helmets voluntary for approved riders.

But in 2003, the year the mandatory helmet law was repealed, Pennsylvania motorcycle deaths rose 18 percent from the previous year. Along with this, those favoring the reinstated law say that making helmet usage mandatory again could save millions of dollars in Pennsylvania health-care costs.