Good news out of Sacramento: S.B. 192, Senator Liu’s disastrous law mandating helmets and reflective gear for bicyclists, was gutted thanks to strong backlash from bicycle advocates across the state. In its place, Senator Liu has proposed a study of the effectiveness of helmet use:
“The Bill would require the Office of Traffic Study (OTS), in coordination with the Department of the California Highway Patrol (CHP), to conduct a comprehensive study of bicycle helmet use, including specified information, and to report the study’s findings to the Senate Committee on Transportation and Housing and the Assembly Committee on Transportation by January 1, 2017.”
This study has interesting implications for bicycling in California, depending on how it is approached. On the one hand, the OTS and CHP could take the straightforward approach and examine the effectiveness of helmet use and reach similar conclusions to previous works. The latest research suggests that helmets reduce injury risk between 2 and 26 percent overall, but present a barrier to convenient, care-free cycling. For these reasons and others, a mandatory helmet law is not an effective public policy for encouraging safe cycling.
On the other hand, the OTS and CHP could take a broader approach, examining helmet use in the context of a number of bicycle safety measures. These measures could include innovative street designs, educational campaigns, and enforcement. Such a study is intriguing because it could provide a statewide blueprint for bicycle safety and a clear vision of how California could prioritize safety efforts. While Caltrans has a complete streets policy, no statewide policies exist for Vision Zero or growing bicycling. This study could jumpstart these conversations and put the legislature in a stronger leadership position on these issues.
For any of this to occur, the bill still has to pass. Active transportation advocates came out in force against Senator Liu’s original bill; a more conciliatory approach is likely for this amendment. We’ll see if it moves forward.
At a glance: facts about bicycle helmet laws in California
California Passes the First Bicycle Helmet Law in 1987
In 1987, California became the first state to pass a bicycle helmet law. The law requires all cyclists under the age of 18 to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, scooter, skateboard, or roller skates. This law was enacted to protect young riders from head injury in case of an accident. The importance of head protection is crucial in bike accidents as it can prevent severe head injuries that can be life-altering.
California Requires All Cyclists Under 18 to Wear a Helmet
The bike helmet law in California requires all cyclists under the age of 18 to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, scooter, skateboard, or roller skates. The law applies to all public roads, paths, and trails in California and also on private property with the permission of the owner. This law was enacted to protect young riders from head injury in case of an accident.
The Bicycle Helmet Law Applies to All Public Roads, Paths, and Trails
The bicycle helmet law in California applies to all public roads, paths, and trails. This means that when riding on any of these public places, cyclists under the age of 18 must wear a helmet that meets the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation. The helmet must also be fastened securely on the cyclist’s head with the straps.
The Bicycle Helmet Law Applies to Private Property with Owner’s Permission
The bike helmet law in California applies not only to public roads, paths, and trails, but also to any cyclist riding on private property with the permission of the owner. This means that when riding on any private property with the owner’s permission, cyclists under the age of 18 must wear a helmet that meets the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation. The helmet must also be fastened securely on the cyclist’s head with the straps.
Helmets Must Meet American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or Snell Memorial Foundation Standards
The law requires that the helmet worn by cyclists under the age of 18 in California must meet the standards of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation. This is to ensure that the helmet provides the necessary protection in case of an accident. The law requires that the helmet be fastened securely on the cyclist’s head with the straps.
A Fine of Up to $25 for Violating the Bicycle Helmet Law
A violation of the bicycle helmet law in California is an infraction and can result in a fine of up to $25. This fine is a reminder to all cyclists under the age of 18 to always wear a helmet when riding to protect themselves from head injury in case of an accident.
Wearing a Bicycle Helmet is Strongly Recommended for All Cyclists Over 18
The bike helmet law in California does not apply to cyclists over the age of 18, but it is strongly recommended that all cyclists wear a helmet for safety. Wearing a helmet can help protect against head injury in case of an accident and can prevent severe head injuries that can be life-altering. Bicyclists of all ages should prioritize their safety while riding and protect themselves by wearing a helmet.
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Since 1972 he has been helping seriously injured victims throughout northern California fight & win their personal injury cases. Andy is one of the top awarded & recognized wrongful death lawyers in northern California.