New proposed legislation could change the current law. The bill would give riders older than 21 a choice, but only on regular streets. All riders would still have wear a helmet on highways.

In recent years, lawmakers have proposed nine similar bills, but motorcyclists who want to ride helmetless are still fighting for the choice.

"I probably would if I were out on the road. Around town I may not. But I'd like it to be my decision," said Don Bowman, an opponent of helmets.

Senate bill 1067, sponsored by Sen. Luann Ridgeway of Smithville, would put the decision to wear helmets into the hands of riders older than 21. The rider can decide whether or not to wear a helmet, except on interstate highways. 

Tony Shepherd said he's been waiting to be able to make the choice for more than 20 years.

"We've been polite, we've been asking, we keep requesting over and over again countless times. Please give us our choice in wearing a helmet," Shepherd said.

Currently all motorcyclists in Missouri must wear a helmet. If lawmakers pass the bill, Missouri would be the 31st state to allow those over 21 years old to choose whether or not to wear one. 

Supporters of the law say Missouri is losing tourism dollars to neighboring states without helmet laws.

"I spent over twenty-five thousand dollars, had a blast. But I don't like to ride in Missouri anymore because you require me to wear a helmet. I'm sure a lot of other motorcyclists feel the same way, and I'm sure you could have used that $25,000 here," said Dr. Michael Yoshita, helmet opponent.

However, opponents of the bill say it would cost the state more than tourism dollars.

"In 2006 there were almost 5,000 motorcyclists that were killed. In Missouri in 2006, there were 93 fatalities, and I was told that was the highest number ever in this state," said Kitty Higgins, National Transportation Safety Board official.

Senate bill 1067 is just one of five bills in the house and senate dealing with motorcycle safety.