ABSENCE OF HELMET LAW MEANS ILLINOIS WILL PAY

Regulations that go into effect Oct. 1 will divert federal funds from highway construction to safety programs in states without motorcycle helmet laws.

This is of concern to Illinois transportation officials.

"We stand to lose more than $5 million for highway improvement this year," said John Burke, a spokesman for the Illinois Department of Transportation at Springfield. "And, if the legislature doesn't pass a bill this year, we could lose up to $13 million next year."

The department has supported a mandatory helmet law for years.

"We think there should be a helmet law," said Burke. "We feel strongly that this is a critical area of highway safety."

Burke said the department also felt that the money was needed more for highway improvement than for safety education.

A proposed mandatory helmet law has been introduced into the Illinois legislature every year since 1985, but has never passed.

"Sen. John Cullerton has unsuccessfully fought for passage of the helmet law," said Burke.

Cullerton, D-Chicago, says he sees the issue as a battle between what is best for society balanced against individual rights, and he is on society's side.

The intent of the federal law is to force states to pass helmet laws or at least to spend more money to educate riders about the importance of helmets and motorcycle safety.

One motorcycle enthusiast is calling the situation "federal blackmail."

Todd Vandemyde, chief lobbyist for the state's largest motorcycle lobby, is not pleased with the government's aim.

"The way I look at it, the argument has shifted to federal blackmail now," Vandermyde said.

Vandermyde admits he sometimes wears a motorcycle helmet, but he believes riders should have a choice.

Sen. Jim Rea, D-Christopher, agreed.

"I think that (wearing a helmet) should be a person's choice," said Rea. "We should inform the rider of all the pros and cons of using helmets but let them make the choice."

Rea said the latest message from the feds disturbed him.

"I don't like mandates," he said. "I'm always concerned when the feds withhold money in favor of mandates, especially if those mandates can endanger a person's life."

Motorcycle helmets and vehicle seat belts fall in the same category, said Rea. "Although in most cases they are helpful, there have been situations when both were harmful to the user."

Rea and other Illinois senators were in session Monday.

"We expect to see some motorcycle legislation," said Rea Monday. "But it's doubtful if we take any action."

Unless a special session is called, the House of Representative won't be in session until Oct. 12.