SALEM, Ore. -- A Eugene-area lawmaker is backing off his proposal for a mandatory helmet law.

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State Sen. Floyd Prozanski, a Democrat, came in for an avalanche of criticism from cyclists after he floated the idea earlier this week.

Background: Lawmaker proposed mandatory bike helmet law for all ages

Currently, Oregon law only requires riders younger than 17 to wear helmets.

Prozanski, an avid cyclist who rides 5,000 to 6,000 miles each year, says he's feeling bruised by the backlash because he has always been a "strong advocate for bicyclists."

He sponsored the state's "Share the Road" license plate and helped pass a law requiring cars to give cyclists ample room when passing.

Prozanski, chair of the Senate's Judiciary Committee, says he still plans to hold a hearing in October on bicycle safety issues.