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In 1966 the Highway Safety Act was passed and congress soon tied the receiving of highway funds to the passage of motorcycle helmet laws by individual states. Avid motorcyclists were a rarity in those days, mostly young, and not an obvious voting threat to state politicians. Every state except California passed a mandatory helmet law. Oddly enough, during this period, the Hells Angels (little known outside of California) were receiving national press coverage over an alleged gang rape. Though the charges were dropped, the notoriety of motorcycle club members and the threats of legislation contrary to a two-wheeled lifestyle, would form a disastrous mix a half-century later in Waco, Texas. Continue reading “Waco”
