NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A proposed change to Tennessee's helmet law is already stirring up emotions, even before it hits the state legislature. Motorcyclists feel it's a personal freedom, while those opposed say it's a public safety issue.

House Bill 2661 is set to be heard by the House Transportation General Subcommittee on Tuesday.

It would allow people 21 and older to ride motorcycles without wearing a helmet.

…At Bost Harley Davidson in West Nashville, it's been a frequent topic of conversation over the past few weeks.

"Most everyone feels a whole lot like I do," said owner Mike Bost, who has been riding motorcycles for nearly 40 years. "They want to have a choice."

Bost says he would choose to wear a helmet every time, no matter what the law is, but he feels riders deserve the right to choose.

"It's choice, the issue here is choice," he said. "That's what they want. They don't want it to be a law they have to wear a helmet. They don't feel it's right."

TN Lawmakers Take Up Helmet Law Changes

HB2661

Meanwhile, a bill which would allow motorcyclists age 21 or older to ride without a helmet was delayed for a week in the House Transportation Committee’s general subcommittee Tuesday afternoon. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Judd Matheny, R-Tullahoma, had generated dissent from state transportation and health care organizations.

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“Government is not our mom and dad, and we’re big people,” said Rep. Glen Casada, R-Williamson County, a co-sponsor of the legislation. “If someone wants to ride a motorcycle without a helmet, they should have that choice.”

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