I found myself in Doc's Harley-Davidson in Kirkwood recently, picking up a gift for a relative who is an avid biker.  The guy in front of me was buying a shiny new helmet, which I paid little attention to until he paid the bill:  about $400.

It struck me as awfully expensive, but probably well worth it considering what can happen if you fall off one of these things at a high rate of speed.

But the nation is full of "biker's rights" groups who think a rider should never be forced to buy that helmet to begin with.  Somehow, amazingly, these groups are making headway (no pun intended) in getting helmet laws repealed.  (They've tried and failed in Missouri.)

Right now we live in a split metro.  In Missouri, you must wear a helmet on a motorcycle.  In Illinois, it's not required. 

Upon looking further, I have to admit being a little bit amazed to find we are one of only 20 states in the union with a law requiring the use of a helmet.  After all, nearly everyone requires seat belts, and, quite frankly, I like my chances better in a car crash with no belt than a cycle crash with no helmet. (Though I don't intend to take either chance)

A blog today on the New York Times site recounts what the reporter says was an actual conversation among doctors on this issue several years ago in Los Angeles.  It seems to say it all about the risk you take riding without a helmet:

"In 1992, three surgeons at a major hospital here that specializes in organ transplants met in the hospital’s cafeteria to informally discuss the California Legislature’s effort to enact a mandatory motorcycle helmet law.

“This looks like it might pass,” one doctor said. The others nodded. “This could have serious consequences for the hospital.”

“How so?” asked the doctor sitting closest to him.

“Motorcycle fatalities are not only our No. 1 source of organs, they are also the highest quality source of organs because donors are usually young, healthy people with no other traumatic injuries to the body, except to the head,” the first doctor answered. “Studies have shown that when helmet laws are enacted, motorcycle deaths significantly decrease. The hospital already has serious financial issues to deal with. This could put us out of business — or at least the business of organ transplants.”

“I’d never thought of it that way,” said his colleague. “What do we do?”

“A motorcyclists’ rights organization has contacted the hospital and asked us to join their coalition supporting what they call ‘freedom of choice,’ which is essentially the right not to wear helmets,” the doctor said. “Is this something we could in good conscience support?”

Just then the third doctor stood up and said: “I’m a member of the hospital’s ethics committee, and I can tell you, as physicians, we can’t even have this conversation.” With that, she left the room."

The motorcyclist rights people might think I'm a little lame, but guys, come on!  Is it such a big deal to wear a helmet?  What do you think?