As promoters of “safety” and Rider Education, GWRRA certainly hopes that anytime you are riding your Gold Wing, or any bike, that you wear proper safety attire, especially a helmet.  But is it required by GWRRA?  No.  We can inform people about the benefits of wearing a helmet, but we cannot make them wear it. We are not the police.

Are helmets required if you are riding in a parade?   That depends on the laws of the state that you are riding in.  Laws may vary from state-to-state. To find each state’s helmet laws, including the laws of Canada, you can visit the American Motorcyclist Association at http://www.amadirectlink.com/legisltn/laws.asp or check pages II-4 and II-5 of your Gold Book Service Directory.  Again, GWRRA strongly encourages all riders, whether required by law or not, to wear not only helmets but also complete safety attire when riding.

What is the protocol for placement of the American flag on your motorcycle when riding in a parade?  In most cases, the American flag is placed on the back of the motorcycle on the right hand side (when viewing the motorcycle from the rear).  However, the different branches of the military and the Patriot Guard have their own flag regulations.  GWRRA therefore suggests that you abide by the rules of the parade officials presiding over the parade.