California could become the first state in the country to require all bicyclists to wear a helmet. Currently, the helmet requirement only applies to riders under the age of 18. If SB 192 recently introduced by State Senator Carol Liu, D- La Cañada Flintridge becomes law, adults would be required to wear helmets and all riders would be required to wear reflective clothing when cycling at night. Anyone riding without a helmet could be cited for an infraction and fined up to $25, the same as current law for youth cyclists.
More and more people are riding bikes and more are getting injured. According to the California Highway Patrol, nearly 14,000 bicyclists were hurt in crashes in 2012, up from 11,760 in 2008.
“Any responsible bicycle rider should wear a helmet,” said Liu, Chair of the Senate Education Committee in a statement announcing the legislation. “This law will help protect more people and make sure all riders benefit from the head protection that a helmet provides.”
But not everyone agrees. The California Bicycle Coalition opposes the legislation saying it will discourage people from riding and is urging people to sign a petition on their website asking Senator Liu to consider other alternatives.
Now that we have a nifty place to park bikes on Larchmont Blvd, what do you think?
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