Update: Reaction to the helmet law from ABATE and AAA

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has signed into law a bill that would allow motorcycle operators 21 or older to ride without a helmet, his office said today.

The Michigan Senate late last month approved a bill that would eliminate the decades-old helmet requirement if qualified operators had additional insurance coverage. Senate Bill 291 is now Public Act 98 of 2012.

There was mild suspense over whether Snyder would sign the bill, since he had not publicly stated his intentions, aside from saying he wanted the helmet issue to be part of a broader reconsideration of Michigan's no-fault insurance law.

“While many motorcyclists will continue to wear helmets, those who choose not to deserve the latitude to make their own informed judgments as long as they meet the requirements of this new law,” Snyder said in a statement. “There is no substitute for proper training, education and awareness when it comes to operating any motor vehicle. We must continue working together to keep our roads safe by making sure that everyone who gets behind the wheel of a car or on a motorcycle has the proper skills. Traffic safety is a responsibility shared by all motorists.”

Snyder's predecessor, Jennifer Granholm, twice vetoed similar bills.