News 14 Carolina's Shawn Flynn has more on the motorcyclists' protest of a new helmet law.
GREENSBORO -- Hundreds of bikers across the state broke a new law in an act of civil disobedience.
"We call this the ride to choose. Everyone who rode here today chose what safety gear they wanted to wear. Some didn't wear any," said participant Dave Carroll.
Call it civil disobedience or defending their rights. Hundreds of motorcyclists from all over North Carolina rode for their freedom Tuesday, protesting a new, restrictive helmet law.
"This new law is unconstitutionally vague. It encroaches upon our freedoms. It has nothing to do with safety. It’s all about liberty,” said Mark Infield, of Carolina Full Throttle Magazine.
Many riders chose not to wear any safety gear at all in a protest of the new law.
The new law prohibits novelty helmets. All helmets must be approved and come equipped with a DOT sticker. It's an effort to make it safer for riders. Riders say the new law is not only confusing, but is a violation of their rights.
"Misguided bureaucrats, safety-crats, people want to protect you from yourself," said participant Dave Carroll.
Bill Starnes agreed, saying, “we have paid too high a price for freedom to stand idly by and watch it be trampled."
That's why these motorcyclists hopped on their bikes. Many chose not to wear any safety gear at all in a protest of this new law. Riders argue this is just another step in violating their rights.
"As time goes by, we lose more and more freedoms," said Starnes. “At some point in time, we've got to say enough it enough and draw that line in the sand.”
Wearing an illegal helmet is a $25 citation plus court costs.
Motorcyclists across the state will hold another patriots day ride in the middle of April to defend their rights.