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I did not know what the point of it was. That is still true to an extent. I am partly writing as therapy for myself. I learned that I will always wear my hemet now. What surprises and scares me a little is that I have not changed my mind regarding helmet laws. I still believe it is an individuals choice.
Its responsibility that goes along with making that sort of choice, though. The responsibility towards loved ones and family. The responsibility to your neighbors, and coworkers. The responsibility to yourself. Joe was too young to understand these things. Joe did not get the chance to get the same wakeup call that I got.

Everytime I write one of my rant articles, I always say that I don't care if people share my opinion. I just want people to think before they form their own opinion. I still support a bikers right to choose a helmet or not. If every biker had my experience of last Thursday burned in their head, there would be no choice. They would all wear helmets.
Life is fragile and can be very very short. When we take risks we only think of the damage that we could inflict on ourselves, and seldom what would happen to others. People we don't even know. I never knew Joe.That day he became one of the most significant figures in my life though. But as I stood over the yellow sheet that covered him, the only words that came to mind were "You stupid #$#^%$*"! They were probably the only words that kept me from falling down and crying right there. Joe had made a big impact on my life.I am sure that if he knew what was going to happen, he would have been wearing the helmet and gloves that were strapped to his bike. But you never nowwhat is going to happen. Thats the biggest joy and the biggest pitfall of Life. Not knowing what will happen next.

I won't stop riding. Instead I will wear a helmet anytime I get on a bike. I owe it to myself. I owe it to my family and friends. I owe it to Joe. He lost his very short life last Thursday. That sacrifice will not be wasted on me. And so, I finish with this....When you hop on that bike, think of everyone close to you. Is it worth the hell that you could put them through. And to the motorists around the motorcycles (around me)...I say give them (me) some room, can you live with the consequences if you don't.

Learn more about this author, RC Shivers.
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