Motorcycle enthusiasts in Illinois, and more importantly their political allies, are apparently against any kind of mandatory helmet legislation.

A recent attempt by state lawmakers to pass a bill requiring anyone younger than 18 to wear a helmet was overwhelmingly defeated yesterday with a Senate vote of 19-32. The bill, 2535, required at lease 30 votes to pass.

Legislation regarding helmet laws have alwasy struggled in Illinois, but many safety advocates had hoped limiting the requirement to those under 18 would help the the bill's success.

Critics of the bill argued the issue was about both personal freedom and safety.

“What about our freedom? We always want a choice,” Senator Gary Forby, who lead the opposition to the bill said. Other reasons mentioned against mandated helmets were restricted vision and hearing.

As the bill's sponsor argued for the itl's passing, Senator Donne Trotter noted the law would be limited in scope.

“All of us have heard this bill through the years,” Trotter said. “This bill is not for all motorcycle drivers or passengers. It’s for those under the age of 18 who are on a motorcycle.”

“The art of motorcycle driving is defense,” Trotter said. “These are not things done on purpose. People don’t purposely run into trees. They’re called accidents. In those accidents that cannot be avoided, the chances of having a quality life is enhanced wearing a helmet.”