CONGRESSMAN DEMANDS ANTI-MOTORCYCLE EXPLANATION FROM CDC

CONGRESSMAN DEMANDS ANTI-MOTORCYCLE EXPLANATION FROM CDC U.S. Representative Tim Walberg (R-MI), a member of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus, has sent a letter to the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) demanding answers concerning a recent CDC report that aims to discourage motorcycle use while ignoring the positive economic benefits for motorcycle riding.

“As an avid and experienced motorcycle rider, I believe government should be in the business of promoting the recreational, economic and environmental benefits of responsible motorcycle riding – not discouraging it,” stated Congressman Walberg in the letter. “During difficult fiscal times, the American people would be better served by your continued efforts to address widespread societal health matters such as virus prevention, cancer and heart disease.”

Rep. Walberg was prompted to action by a presentation given by the Helmet Law Review Team of the Community Preventative Services Task Force in late October 2013 which concluded that mandatory helmet laws would “produce substantial economic benefits.”

Walberg is troubled by the fact that potential negative impacts on nationwide motorcycling are not addressed and questions whether the CDC should be tasked with researching and making recommendations regarding transportation safety. The Michigan Representative has also been prompted to ask CDC Director Thomas Frieden; “is it the goal or strategy of the CDC to reduce the use of motorcycles - a legal mode of transportation - by recommending and pursing a federal helmet law?”