A Tennessee law that requires motorcyclists to wear helmets is costing the state tourism dollars, a lawmaker told the Senate Public Safety and Transportation Committee on Wednesday.
Senate Bill 2648 by Springfield Republican Kerry Roberts would only require motorcyclists under the age of 21 to wear a helmet. Roberts said he was not arguing whether helmets are a bad idea or if motorcycles are safe.
Helmets are not required in 30 states, he said. Tennessee law allows motorcyclists to go without a helmet only when riding in a parade at less than 15 miles per hour.
"The point is that we've got surrounding states that allow adults 21 and older to make that choice and those people cannot cross the state line," Roberts said. "We miss out on tourism dollars. We miss out on economic benefit."
