There’s no free lunch, and recent motorcycle helmet figures show there’s no free ride either. Last year, Michigan scaled back its universal helmet law, making it optional for riders over the age of 21, and the insurance industry reported a sharp rise in the cost of medical claims. A year before the change, the average payout for a motorcycle injury was $5,410; a year after, the average rose to $7,257, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute study. Michigan is the latest state to loosen its helmet law after the feds stopped linking federal dollars to universal compliance. In Idaho, a helmet is optional for riders over 18. In Washington, helmets are mandatory for all riders, but there is an annual effort to weaken the law. The Michigan data should give pause to these proponents/Spokesman-Review Editorial Board. More here.

Question: If I ruled the universe, all motorcycle (and bicycle) riders would be required to wear helmets. Do you agree/disagree?