American Notes: California

The new law is supposed to keep Californians from losing their heads, but instead some are blowing their tops. As of Jan. 1, motorcyclists in the Golden State are required to wear safety helmets when riding. The sensible regulation, already adopted by 23 other states and the District of Columbia, was fiercely resisted by libertarian bikers, who staged helmetless protest parades. Among the backers of the law is actor Gary Busey, who had a near fatal motorcycle accident three years ago. "I don't have any tolerance for people who want to ride free in the wind," said Busey. "If you don't wear a helmet, you're not playing with a full deck." In Los Angeles, at least, bikers will have time to adjust. The sheriff's department says it will start enforcing the law after a 15-day grace period. Then it will no longer be legal for cyclists to feel the wind in their hair.