Frequent Questions About Bicycle Helmet Legislation
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the Greater Cincinnati SAFE KIDS Coalition answer some frequently asked questions about bicycle helmet legislation to help protect children and prevent head injuries.
How will the ordinance be enforced?
Enforcement of a bicycle helmet ordinance takes place in the same manner as enforcement of other traffic-related violations in most cases. Cooperation and support from the local police department is necessary. Some jurisdictions have made provisions for verbal or written warnings, and others have trained a civilian or junior bike patrol to help enforce these ordinances. Positive reinforcement, such as free ice cream coupons or gift certificates, has been used for children wearing a helmet in some areas. Many that support helmet legislation also recommend including a provision that removes any penalty when helmet ownership is demonstrated.
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How will underprivileged children comply?
In Cincinnati, Children's Hospital Medical Center of Cincinnati have distributed and fit over 60,000 bicycle helmets over the past five years. All the bicycle helmets are subsidized, so that the helmets are offered at a nominal fee, or free of charge. Cincinnati Children's and SAFE KIDS will continue to offer this service at local events, and we will continue to work with local retailers to provide discount coupons for children who cannot afford a bicycle helmet.
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Why not require adults to wear helmets?
Wearing a bicycle helmet, the single most effective piece of equipment for any bike owner, is not only for children, it is for everyone. Most laws address children because they may not be able to comprehend the consequences of a head injury and are not always under the supervision of a parent or other adult. Also, some experts argue that experience comes with maturity. More experience can mean safer riding and a reduced risk of crashing. Anyone, young or old, that chooses to wear a bicycle helmet reduces his or her risk of injury.
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What effect does a regulation have on helmet use?
The State of New Jersey has reported bicycle-related fatalities for the under 14 age group covered by their bicycle helmet law fell 60 percent in the five years since they introduced the law. Fatalities for 1987-1991 totaled 41, while those in the five years since the law went into effect totaled only 16. For the 14 and over group not covered by the law, fatalities went from 75 to 71 over the same periods. Similarly, Howard County in Maryland enacted a regulation in 1990, requiring anyone on a bicycle under 17 to wear a helmet, and an observational survey resulted in a 43 percent increase in helmet use. Helmet usage requirements do result in an increase in helmet use and a decrease in injuries and fatalities.
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