That's ok. It is a mistake that almost everyone is making and its going to hurt us.
Look for a new pr campaign to try and change this perception.
For example: I was in the local grocery store parking lot. Comes in a guy on one of those 350cc monster scooters, like a cushman on steroids. Its obvious that this late 50's guy can't handle the machine.
I ask him: Been riding long? 'no'. Took the safety course? 'no'. Got an M endorsement? 'no'. Ok, where's your helmet? "don't need no f***** helmet in PA, now buzz off a&&hole!"
Case two: Sitting at a red light, comes around the corner, dad driving 250cc bike, kid on back, mom driving matching bike, kid on back. No Helmets!!!!
I chase them down. I tell them they are in for some really BIG fines. Their answer? "Oh, I thought helmets weren't needed anymore".
These are the ones that are going to hurt our cause really badly.
So Mr. Airborne, you are not alone! Please spread the word.
Well, now I'm really gonna piss some folks off.
I tend to not mention this publicly, but I tell my kids, and anyone else, that motorcycles are dangerous with or without a helmet, and rfuse to allow either of my sons to ride.
I chase them down. I tell them they are in for some really BIG fines. Their answer? "Oh, I thought helmets weren't needed anymore".
Good lawd! I'm so paranoid, I put on a helmet just when hopping on my bike to move it from the driveway to the shed.