Pat Smalley has been riding a motorcycle for only three years. It's been 34 years on two wheels for Keith DeCiancio.

Despite the obvious difference in riding experience, both agreed on one thing Wednesday night as they awaited a ceremonial smashing of helmets by a 20-ton roller: A biker should have the freedom to choose whether or not to wear a helmet.

That freedom became a reality in Pennsylvania at 12:01 a.m. today, making the state the 31st in the country to give riders that choice.

Ms. Smalley, 52, of Grove City and DeCiancio, 50, of West Middlesex were among hundreds on hand about three hours prior to the law's official introduction for a "Freedom to Choose Bike Nite," sponsored by Quaker Steak & Lube and the Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education.

"I will personally, probably most always wear a helmet," Ms. Smalley said. "When I'm in Ohio I don't wear one and when I was in Daytona Beach, Fla. I didn't wear one. But I really think with today's drivers, driving defensively we really need to wear the helmets. But I also believe in choice so everybody can make up their own mind."

DeCiancio agreed.

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