(AP) - Motorcyclists will still be required to wear helmets when they ride in Nebraska.

Opponents succeeded Tuesday in blocking a bill in the Legislature that would have repealed the state's helmet requirement. The measure by Sen. Dave Bloomfield of Hoskins would have exempted riders older than 21 from the law.

Lawmakers voted 25-22 to cease debate on the bill and force a vote. Thirty-three votes were needed to stop the legislative filibuster. Lawmakers started discussing the bill on Thursday.

Bloomfield says the issue was one of personal choice and freedom. Opponents say repealing the law would increase health care costs and make the roads less safe.