Repeal helmet law to boost tourism, says state legislator

Nev. State Sen. Don Gustavson is making an economic appeal to repeal the state’s 39-year-old motorcycle helmet law.

Gustavson, who has tried and failed to repeal the law in the last five legislative sessions, says more people will attend events like the Laughlin River Run and Reno Street Vibrations – spending lots of cash – if helmets aren’t required.

He cites stats from Florida, which recorded a $2.8 billion increase in motorcycle sales reported by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles in the five years after its helmet law was repealed in 2000. Gustavson predicts a $56 million increase in the sales of motorcycles in Nevada following a helmet law repeal, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. But helmet law supporters point out that accidents also increased.

Guatavson’s Senate Bill 177 would require all riders and passengers under age 21 to wear helmets. Motorcyclists over 21 could ride without helmets, as long as they have at least one year of experience and passed an approved motorcycle safety course. He wants to amend it to take effect upon passage and approval, which he hopes will happen before The Laughlin River Run starts April 27.

Committee members John Lee, D-North Las Vegas, and Mark Manendo, D-Las Vegas, are repeal bill co-sponsors.