Nevada: There is no state-wide law. But the study, published in Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, found that both the helmet and the vest were more likely to dehumanize a rider than the baseball cap. Things You Should Know! But regardless of what state and local laws require where you live, it's a good idea to wear a helmet any time you're riding a bicycle or e-bike. Various studies indicate that bicycle helmets reduce head injuries when it comes to falls but vehicle collisions present a different scenario. Bike helmets are a simple yet effective way to prevent serious injuries in the event of an accident. Mandatory Bicycle Helmet Laws in the United States: Origins, Context That doesnt mean youre in the clear, though! What about electric bicycles or e-bikes in California? The regulation requires bikers under the age of 18 or 16 to use helmets when riding. Bicycle law varies from country to country, but in general, cyclists' right to the road has been enshrined in international law since 1968, with the accession of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.Under that treaty, bicycles have the legal status of vehicles, and cyclists enjoy the legal status of vehicle operators. Kentucky: There is no state-wide law. Things for You to Know! Age requirement varies from state to state or city to city. So if youre Read more, Biking without an accessible water bottle isnt fun for anyone. All Rights Reserved. Not all cities will operate under the same helmet law. The researchers initially hypothesized that both a helmet and baseball cap would make a cyclist appear less human by obscuring their head and hair. Helmets are . At what age can a person legally not wear a bicycle helmet? Somehow we survived. And even when the rider wasn't required to wear a helmet under California law, the fact that no helmet was worn could still affect the strength of the rider's case. (Please note: I am not a lawyer, nor do I have any legal background. One way to check how well a helmet and chin strap fit is to open your mouth into a wide yawn. In fact, it can reduce the odds of head injury by almost 50%. Instead, your body (and head) will likely slam right into the pavement or asphalt. The minimum age varies from one state or city to another. Even if your state does not have a statewide helmet law, though, there might be local laws that apply (laws passed by your city, township, or county, for example). In addition to bicycles, all youth under 18 are also required to wear a helmet when on scooters, skateboards, and inline skates. Twenty-one (21) states and the District of Columbia require bicycle helmets for children (mostly 15 and younger, with some exception). During heavy traffic, vehicle drivers can easily see you when you wear a helmet on a bike. Bike Helmets Do You Always Need to Wear a Helmet to Ride a Bike? Cision Distribution 888-776-0942 If you need further clarification, be sure to check with your local guidelines either online or at your local police station. Wearing a bicycle helmet is always a good idea no matter what the law has to say, but bicycle helmet laws might also have an impact on an injury claim after a bicycle-car accident (more on this a little later). The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute has compiled a lot of useful data for consumers, including in-depth helmet ratings. New Jersey: State law requires all riders under 17 years of age to wear a helmet when on a bicycle. Working cyclists (like couriers) are also required to wear helmets. Port Washington requires all riders under 17 years of age to wear a helmet when on a bicycle. For children under age 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present to sign the waiver. Minors under the age of 18 are required by law in California to wear a helmet when biking. Benbrook requires riders under 17 years of age to wear a helmet when on a bicycle. Everyone regardless of age should wear helmets on their ride. In the United States, 22 states have bicycle helmet laws that require cyclists to wear helmets while on the road. Skip to content Please note that many of the links on our site are affiliate links. In fact, it wasnt until two years before when California passed this very same bill that made them one of few early adopters of these regulations- along with Virginia (1986) and Michigan(1987). 349-WhichHelmetBrochure_5-13-22_WEB_508_0.pdf (1.34 MB) Report an unsafe product. ), The Best Mountain Bike Stems to Improve Your Riding Experience, The Best Mountain Bike Handlebars to Keep You Comfortable on Long Cycling Hours, How to Make Your Bike Go Faster? It may surprise some people to see that only 19 states, plus Washington D.C., have universal helmet laws. What do you think of the state with no laws? Cyclist told to wear hi-vis and a helmet to take their bike on a ferry Learn some new statistics about cycling and driving. That being said, most states have at least some level of restrictions around riding an eBike without a helmet. During the test, the gear is dropped at a rate of 14mph onto a flat anvil. North Carolina: State law requires all riders under 16 years of age to wear a helmet when on a bicycle. DOT compliant motorcycle safety helmet when riding a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or motorized bicycle. Some localities require helmets for all ages. Improperly fitted helmets offer less protection in the event of a crash. Where should I go to find information on Wyoming laws? The testing process additionally ensures that the straps can keep the helmet stay in place even during a crash. It can keep your head warm on cold days because of the foam layer material as well. He pointed to the fact that Black cyclists and other minority groups are much more likely than white cyclists to be cited by police for not wearing a helmet. While there is no federal law in the United States that requires wearing a bike helmet, there are laws that enforce helmets in the majority of states. Bicycle Helmet Law - Map of States Requiring Bike Helmets Kids under 16 or 17 years old are required to wear a helmet depending on the city; 14. The parents or legal guardian of the offending minor are equally liable for the fine amount imposed. However, many of Read more, About Us /Contact Us / Privacy Policy / Disclaimer. But that still doesn't change the fact that helmets should be a required item for two-wheeled vehicles on city streets. West Virginia: State law requires all riders under 15 years of age to wear a helmet when on a bicycle. Which Helmet for Which Activity? Who is Required to Wear a Bicycle Helmet? - Cienneny Age requirements vary from state to state or city to city. Whatever your opinions are on youth helmet laws, if you have a little one on a bike, it is important to understand the legal requirements in your area. Just as Read more, Cyclists are expected to learn some minor repair and maintenance skills. This means that if you're injured in an e-bike or bicycle accident, and you weren't wearing a helmet when the law required you to do so, you could be found liable for your injurieseven when another person was at fault in the accident. As we roll into the warm weather months, many of us are dusting off our bicycles and getting back into cycling to work or around town. Read more, Its a total game-changer if a biker has the best mountain bike handlebars because it gives excellent control over the Read more, The joy of cycling comes in many ways some would say its the experience that delighted their journey. Instead, it alters your entire life. Cincinnati, Enon, Kettering, and Marietta require all riders under 16 years of age to wear a helmet when on a bicycle, scooter, skateboard, or inline skates. If you live in a state that does not specifically regulate helmet use by electric bicycle, your best bet when riding an electric bicycle is to assume that the state's helmet laws for traditional bicycles (if any) apply. Arlington, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Houston requires riders under 18 years of age to wear a helmet when on a bicycle. And other states extend the laws to apply to other two-wheelers like scooters. If so, then its important to learn about bicycle helmet laws. If youre going riding, then you need to check your state and local laws. The age requirement varies from state to state and city to city. Please refresh the page and try again. Your bell alerts drivers, pedestrians and other cyclists to your presence, it is required by law. How to Lock a Bike Properly? Billings requires all riders under 16 years of age to wear a helmet when on a bicycle. Others, like California, require helmets for class III electric bicycles (eBikes that have a top speed of 28 mph . Let us know in the comment section. If you got into a crash, then you need to talk with a bicycle accident lawyer. Having a helmet on gives your head and brain protection if you are unlucky to get involved in an accident. How to Break a U Lock? A meta-analysis of 40 studies found that helmet use by bicyclists was associated with 33% to 69% reduction in the odds of facial, head, and fatal injuries (Olivier & Creighton, 2017). The strength of the straps, attachment points, and helmet buckles are also thoroughly evaluated. The helmet must be approved, fit properly, and ability to fasten. A recent study conducted in Australia by academics at Queensland University and Flinders University found that bicyclists who wear helmets or safety vests might be putting themselves more at risk than if they'd gone without safety attire. Missouri: There is no state-wide law. , . Violating a helmet law doesn't risk just your physical safetyit also risks your chance of getting compensation from an at-fault driver if you're injured in a collision with a vehicle. Find out more in our disclosure. The following localities require riders under 15 years of age to wear a helmet when on a bicycle: Albermarle County, Alexandria, Amherst County, Arlington County, Blacksburg, Clarke County, Fairfax County, Falls Church, Floyd County, Front Royal, Hampton, Harrisonburg, James City County, Luray, Manassas, Manassas Park, Newport News, Norfolk, Orange County, Petersburg, Prince William County, Radford, Roanoke, Salem, Stanford County, Vienna, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Wise, York County. comparative and contributory negligence rules, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, what you need to know about state and local bicycle and electric bicycle helmet laws, and. I believe, however, that these reductions could be mitigated by cultural shifts (in which wearing helmets are the norm), and by providing free or subsidized helmets to at-need children. Wearing a helmet on rides is required by law in some jurisdictions. English. 1 Alaska's motorcycle helmet use law covers passengers of all ages, operators younger than 18, and operators with instructional permits. In many states, when a person ignores a law and then suffers the kind of injury that the law was enacted to prevent, the person is automatically deemed negligent. Table of Contents [ hide] Bike Helmet Mandates Is helmet mandatory for bicycle? The attorney listings on this site are paid attorney advertising. Bicycle Helmet Law In The USA [State-by-State Map] Private property (driveways, for example) are excluded. Despite that, its still safer to have one a top your head. Cicero, Inverness, and Skokie all require helmets for those under 16 years of age. Please note that most, though not all, of the links on our site are affiliate links. Research shows that, in general, wearing a helmet while riding a bike reduces the likelihood of severe injury, should you crash or otherwise be involved in an accident. The safety standards for these helmets are rigorous and require them to be fastened securely upon your head with straps. They always come in Read more, Cycling is the most economical and environment-friendly way to go around a city. Important Things to Know, Kids Bike Size Chart: Ultimate Guide to Find the Right Bike Size, How Much Does a Bike Weigh? Safety-labeled helmets are evaluated based on ventilation, fitness, adjustability, comfort, and protection. You are talking common sense here Eric. (Learn more about comparative and contributory negligence rules.). Not only will that hurt, but it could cause severe, fatal injuries, too. DOT Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. good overview of the California Bicycle Helmet Law, Best 20 Mountain Bikes (6 to 8 years old), Best 24 Mountain Bikes (8 to 12 years old), Best Trailer-Cycles (aka Tagalongs / Trail-a-Bikes), Bell Sanction Kids Full Face Helmet Review, Fly Racing Default Full Face Kids Bike Helmet Review. Hover over a state or location for more information, or click a state to zoom. Some localities require helmets for all ages. Oklahoma City requires riders of all ages to wear a helmet when on a bicycle. Everyone regardless of age should wear helmets on their ride. Whether you ride your bike to work only, lurk around the college campus, or try to lose weight with it if you are a big guy. If you wear a helmet you're always covered (literally and figuratively), but if you like to feel the wind in your hair it's hard to know where you can and can't do it legally. Its an excellent way for kids to get Read more, Before making your purchase, the weight of the bike should be your topmost considerations. I only did research on bicycles. There are a number of other factors that can determine the laws around wearing a bicycle helmet. Bike helmets work to protect your head and neck in the event of a crash. A high-quality helmet has a label indicating that it went through a strict quality process. Recovery of compensation for a wide variety of losses ("damages" in legalese) is typically possible in an insurance claim or lawsuit, including: Here's a list of the states with statewide bicycle and electric bicycle helmet laws, along with the ages of riders required to wear helmets. In Spokane County, the anyone over three up to 16 has to wear a helmet, but anyone over 16, doesn't. Washington State Law While hes happy to wear his helmet today, I worry that there will be a time in the not too far off future when he decides he doesnt want to wear a helmet in order to fit in with friends. Adjust the side straps so the helmet is snug against your head. Another feature you can consider is the WaveCel technology in helmets. California: State law requires all riders under 18 years of age to wear a helmet when on a bicycle. Some localities within St. Louis County require helmets for riders of all ages. So, your hair cannot distract you when riding. Wisconsin: There is no state-wide law. (1) Bicyclists who are older than 18-years are not required to wear a helmet, though it is strongly encouraged. How to Actually Measure Your Bike Stem (Never Get Bamboozled Again! Depending on the state or municipality, there may be laws requiring cyclists to wear helmets. For example, Arkansas does not require helmet use by any bicycle rider, but does require helmet use by all electric bicycle riders under age 21. So, who is required to wear a bicycle helmet? Never ride against traffic - Motorists aren't looking for bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road. This is especially true for kids and teenagers, who are even more vulnerable to injuries. Hernando requires all riders under 17 years of age to wear a helmet when on a bicycle, scooter, skateboard, or inline skates. This is my best understanding of the laws as they exist today). In the last 5 years, weve visited nearly 40 countries together and in 2017-2018, we took a year off to travel the world together. In France, only children are required to wear bike helmets all the time. An adventure-seeking family of 7. And the fines for riding without a bicycle helmet will also vary. Washington: There is no state-wide law. There's no federal bike helmet law, but in 2019, the National Transportation Safety Board recommended that all 50 states mandate that adults wear helmets (many already require this for kids). 1 A bicycle helmet should be replaced whenever it has been involved in a crash or is damaged or the foam has become brittle. In others, it may only be enforced if the cyclist is stopped for another infraction. Similarly, the state of Washington does not have a statewide bicycle helmet law, but many cities and counties in Washington require all ridersadults and minorsto wear helmets. These are helmets weve tested and reviewed. Most often these kinds of case will reach a settlement, but if the other side is disputing a key issue like fault or the legitimacy of the bicyclist's injuries, the matter could escalate to the point where a personal injury lawsuit is filed in court. 6 Steps Everyone Can Do, The Best Bike Water Bottle Holders for Different Bike Types, Best Water Bottle Cages for Mountain Bike, The Best Mountain Bike Water Bottles You Shouldnt Miss, How to Put a Bike Rack on a Car? Pennsylvania: State law requires all riders under 12 years of age to wear a helmet when on a bicycle. District of Columbia: State law requires all riders under 16 years of age to wear a helmet when on a bicycle. Assuming that bicycle is not a dirt bike, that is. 2.1 Bicycle Helmet Laws for Adults | NHTSA If you ride an electric bike, the helmets are even more critical because of the higher speed you will achieve.
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