Bikers angry with amended helmet law
By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor
Photo Courtesy of Gordo Blakhart
Alberta recently became the third province to grant its turban-sporting Sikh community exemption from having to wear a helmet when riding motorcycles, by amending the Vehicle Equipment Regulation in the Traffic Safety Act earlier this year.
Alongside British Columbia and Manitoba, the Alberta changes pertain to its bona fide Sikh drivers or passengers over the age of 18.
Sikh population is deemed to be the third highest in Canada with a population of over 50,000 according to the 2011 census.
Bikers across Alberta disagree with the government’s decision to single out a minority group, stating the ruling is a disservice to the majority of Alberta bikers and causing division.
Alberta’s biking community hopes the government will repeal their decision and provide everyone the choice to wear a helmet regardless of religion, race or gender. Nearly 1,000 bikers will ride from Lacombe to the Alberta Legislature on Saturday.
“It boils down to this is fundamentally against our Charter of Rights and Freedoms … and the government, by the decision they’ve made, is broadcasting that it isn’t a safety issue. If it’s no longer a safety issue it needs to be a decision for everyone, not just a select few,” said Keith Wegner, co-organizer of the Civil Disobedience Rally 2018.
“One thing we’ve been accused of is that this is a racist rally. This isn’t racist. The only people promoting racism is the Alberta government by creating division between peoples. (They’ve) allowed it to become a choice for those that have a certain religion and we’re saying that isn’t legal with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and that everyone needs to be able to make that choice for themselves.”
An invitation to participate in the rally had been extended to bikers of the Sikh community.
Currently, motorcyclists in violation of wearing a helmet while operating their vehicles or riding as a passenger in Alberta can be fined $155.
While Wegner said his personal choice is to continue wearing a helmet independent from future developments, 67-year-old local rider Gordo Blakhart, who’s been riding since he was 14 years old, would choose differently.
“We believe that all people are equal and all people are subject to the same laws, and this is not a rally against one group, this is a protest against the law which is just biased and wrong,” Blakhart said.
“I understand where it can save your life, especially in the city where collisions are low speed… but if I get into an accident at 110 kilometres an hour, I don’t think I want to be alive because there’s not going to be much for me to do after that happens. We just want everyone to have that choice.”
The owner of a 2005 Harley Davidson added he will be taking part in the rally and urges members of a small community to join in larger groups, make their voices heard and possibly encourage change for their cause.
“Our government granted this limited exemption based on civil rights and freedom of religious expression for what amounts to a very small number of motorcyclists,” said Alberta Transportation Minister Brian Mason in response to the rally.
“Alberta Transportation ran an education campaign this summer reinforcing that only adult Sikhs who wear turbans have been granted an exemption. Regardless of this exemption, helmets are recommended for anyone using or riding a motorcycle at all times.”
The Civil Disobedience Rally 2018 starts in Lacombe at 2 p.m. on Sept. 15, when bikers will head along Highway 2 to Edmonton. Organizers don’t expect to reach their destination before 6 p.m.
While the legislature will not be in session on Saturday, Wegner is confident their efforts will not go unnoticed.
“They’re going to have to take notice of the number of people that are involved in this,” Wegner said. “I’m certain that there’s going to be a follow up. Not only on our end but the government as well. There are rumblings about doing this again in the spring and it would be even bigger and better if we can’t get this law repealed.”