Backing the helmet law

Rep. Peggy Welch, D-Bloomington, is planning to propose a bill for the upcoming Indiana legislative session that would require skateboarders to wear helmets. We support this bill in principle, despite the misgivings of many around us.\nMuch has been said about the libertarian values lost in such a bill allowing the government to require headgear. Much has also been said about the inconsistency of such a bill in a state that doesn't require someone to wear a seat belt in a pickup truck or require helmets for all bicyclists or motorcyclists older than 17. Much has been said about how tough it would be to enforce such a bill.\nThese are legitimate concerns. We reject that it's inconsistent since we additionally support seat belt laws and helmets for all motorcyclists. We believe one of the chief roles of government is to be an advocate for public welfare and safety. \nWe would also never ask officers to forego their duties concerning more serious offenses in exchange for patrolling local parks looking for helmetless skaters. But one enforcement of the helmet law might send the message to friends and other skaters that Indiana is serious.\nWelch has proposed similar laws in the past to require helmets for cyclists. All have failed.\nWe might expect the same fate for this state proposal. If so, Bloomington should step up on its own and not shirk responsibility for advocating safety gear for recreation.