Rep. Peter Pettalia killed while riding his motorcycle by a driver that did not see him.

peter-pettaliaWe mourn the loss of Michigan Representative Peter Pettalia, 61, from Presque Isle,MI Mr. Pettalia was an advocate for motorcyclists’ rights and had served the state’s District 106 since he was elected in 2010.

According to CNN.COM

Rep. Peter Pettalia was riding southbound on M-33 in northern Michigan late Monday afternoon when a pickup truck turned left into his lane. His motorcycle broadsided the pickup. Pettalia was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, police said. The driver of the truck, a 59-year-old woman, was not injured, police said.

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In 2012, he voted to repeal universal helmet laws for all motorcycle riders over the age of 20. Michigan is one of 28 states that do not have laws requiring all motorcyclists to wear helmets, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
MotorcycleSafari.com sends its condolences to Mr. Pettalia’s family and friends. The motorcycling community has lost yet another brother, fellow rider and advocate.