DENVER -- The Colorado House has passed a bill that would require that children under the age of 18 wear helmets when riding motorcycles.

House Bill 1117 passed 39-26 and now heads to the state Senate.

"I just felt it was time that Colorado became responsible for the health and safety of our children," said Rep. Dianne Primavera (D - Broomfield), the bill sponsor.

According to Primavera, Colorado ranks eighth in the country for motorcycle deaths per 100,000 people. She said a comprehensive helmet law is not achievable right now, but added that protections for children could save lives and spare taxpayers major medical costs.

The bill passed Wednesday over the objections of some motorcycle riders. ABATE of Colorado, a motorcycle rights group, lobbied agains the measure.

"We feel that it puts the government between a parent and their child," said Terry Howard, ABATE's state coordinator. "We feel that the parents are responsible enough to make sure that their children have helmets on their heads."