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Home > Blogs > Ohio politics > Archives > 2008 > January > 07
Monday, January 7, 2008
Bike helmets may be required
Ohio may join 32 other states that require minors to wear bike helmets while riding a bike or in a seat or trailer.
Two bills are pending the General Assembly that would require cyclists under the age of 17 to strap on a proper bike helmet or face a $25 fine. (Some cities, including Centerville, already have local laws requiring kids to wear bike helmets.)
Only warnings would be issued the first year of the law but after that parents would be ticketed. Money from the tickets would be put into a fund to pay for helmets, which cost as little as $10, to low-income kids.
The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute reports that 45- to 88-percent of reported head injuries in bike accidents could be prevented with helmets.
Ohio has 2.8 million kids. Even if only half bike, the bill would affect 1.4 million Ohioans.
State Rep. Mike Skindell, D-Lakewood, an avid bicyclist, will give sponsor testimony on the House bill Wednesday. Skindell was hit by a vehicle while cycling last year and credits a helmet for reducing his injuries.
State Sen. Tom Roberts, D-Dayton, is sponsoring a similar bill in the Senate.
Do you think Ohio should have a law requiring children to wear bike helmets?
