Published: March 24, 2009 10:50 pm      

Motorcycle helmet measure dies; bottle bill still breathing

CHARLESTON — Motorcycle owners upset with West Virginia’s mandatory helmet law found no sympathy Tuesday in a Senate committee.

But over in the House, proponents of another measure that has been around the block a few times — the so-called bottle bill — rejoiced to see their idea live another day.

For years, motorcycle enthusiasts have sought to soften the helmet law so headgear becomes optional.

Even Gov. Joe Manchin, himself a Harley Davidson owner, has indicated he would be willing to endorse that idea, provided safety concerns are met.

For members of the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, that was the chief concern — medical costs in the event of severe injuries.

Sen. Jack Yost, D-Brooke, who offered the bill as a means of spur-ring tourism, insisted helmets be optional. Otherwise, he maintained, motorcycle clubs will pass up West Virginia and gather for outings in other states where helmets are optional.

In committee, his lone supporter, Sen. Randy White, D-Webster, altered the Yost bill so a rider must carry proof of $25,000 in coverage, up $15,000 from the original amount.

Even so, the bill soon developed a flat tire.

“Doctors from trauma centers from all over the state said that normally the average cost of a trauma cost would be around $200,000,” Trans-portation Chairman John Unger, D-Berkeley, said.

Unger, likewise, had concerns based on the accident coverage, but said he left it up to his members to decide.

“I put it on the agenda for discussion,” he said. “In no way did I give my opinion or ideas at all.”

Meantime, a House Judicia-

ry subcommittee voted 5-1 to recommend a bill that is making its seventh appearance in the Legislature — one that would impose a 5-cent refundable deposit on beverage containers.

Intent is to discourage consumers from tossing used containers along roadsides and reduce the amount of litter thrown there.

The bill now goes to the full, 25-member judiciary committee.

“It will be hard to get it out with under three weeks left,” acknowledged Linda Frame, program director for West Virginia-Citizen Action Group.

“But we now have the momentum. I’m excited.”

— E-mail: mannix@register-herald.com