Press Releases, News & Notes
March, 1997

GUAM REPEALS HELMET LAW!

NCOM, March 20,1997 -- Governor Carl T.C. Gutierrez signed Bill No.7 into law on March 16th to amend the mandatory helmet law on the tiny South Pacific island of Guam, a U.S. territory with a population of around 150,000, to allow motorcyclists 18 and older the freedom to choose whether or not to wear a helmet.

"Adult riders are not required to wear a safety helmet, but may at their discretion" said Governor Gutierrez in a letter sent to the Guam Hawgs Motorcycle Club, who lobbied for the repeal along with bill sponsor Senator Elizabeth Barret-Anderson.

Gutierrez continues that, "After review of various studies on the rate of motorcycle accidents and their severity, it seems that the singularly most important factor in reducing motorcycle accidents is participation in a safety training course for new riders. Although some studies show that wearing helmets protects riders from severe head injuries, this is not always the case. The wearing of helmets, by itself, is not as determinative in preventing accidents as taking a safety course."

The letter, faxed to Easyriders Magazine, goes on to encourage the Guam Hawgs Motorcycle Club to engage in training sessions with young riders. "Acting as mentors to those who are novices is a very vital role for those who are experienced and skillful in riding a motorcycle," said Gutierrez, adding, "I know that some motorcycle enthusiasts never lose the enthusiasm for riding motorcycles, and by assisting new riders in safety measures, experienced riders can give back a valuable service to the community."

On behalf of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists and more than 400 NCOM member organizations, we salute the Guam Hawgs and other concerned motorcyclists for their successful helmet repeal, coming only four days after Arkansas' victory!