Our libertarian leanings as measured in Motorcycle deaths

Deaths of people in cars, trucks, on bicycles, and on foot are down to historic lows. Motorcycle deaths, on the other hand, were up for the 10th year in a row in 2007.

Why?

One reason is a decline in the number of states requiring the use of helmets. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, in 1975, 47 states required all motorcycle riders to wear helmets, but now only 20 do. [...]

“We are the only industrialized country in the world where there is an organized effort to weaken or repeal motorcycle helmet laws,” [Insurance Institute for Highway Safety spokesman Russ] Rader said. “That definitely is a factor in the increasing deaths.”

At the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, which is financed by the manufacturers, Tim Buche, the president, said a person killed on a motorcycle was 2.5 times more likely to be under the influence of alcohol than a person killed in a car and three times more likely not to have a proper license.

“There’s risks in everything in life, but the risks can be addressed,” Mr. Buche said, by training, licensing, riding sober and wearing protective gear.

Motorcycle sales are down this year; they’re said to be considered a luxury in tough economic times. Harley-Davidson has cut back production and reduced its workforce.

Meanwhile scooters “are flying off the shelves.” We have gas prices to thank for that. Last month Slate had a handy guide to thrifty motorcycles and scooters.

The photo is of a 410-cubic inch V-twin, 11 foot long, 1,433 pound Gunbus. Wired’s Autopia has details.