Oregon Public Broadcasting

State Sen. Floyd Prozanski from Eugene wants to expand Oregon’s bike helmet law to include adults.  But many cyclists disagree with the idea.

Jonathan Maus writes for a local bike blog.  He says studies show that helmet laws actually keep some riders off the road.

Jonathan Maus: "This sort of policy just discourages people from biking, and what's been found time and time again is that the more people that are biking creates safer roads."

Maus says most cyclists actually think it’s important to wear a helmet -- they just don’t want to be forced to do it.

He also says that in Portland more people are wearing helmets than ever.

The Senator says the state is encouraging people to bike more -- and the helmet law would help ensure those bikers’ safety.

Currently, only children 16 and younger are required to wear helmets.