State's high court to hear bike rally lawsuits

COLUMBIA — South Carolina's highest court is hearing arguments over whether a city can require motorcycle riders to wear helmets despite the lack of a state law requiring the practice.

The state Supreme Court is hearing arguments Wednesday over a Myrtle Beach law.

City officials have passed laws designed to get rid of two bike rallies held there each year. The Harley-Davidson spring rally attracts mostly white riders, while bikers at the Atlantic Beach Bikefest are mostly black.

State law doesn't require riders 21 years and older to wear helmets.

Justices are hearing a challenge from a man who received a ticket in Myrtle Beach for not wearing a motorcycle helmet. He and a pro-bike rally business group say the city's policy violates state law.