Bicycle Helmet Law California

The laws for riding a motorized bicycle in california made simple.

Bicycle helmet law california. There are some specific rules. Anyone under the age of 18 must use an approved helmet as a passenger or operator of a bicycle. Where you can ride. Backed by scientific studies that show not only the health impact and injury reduction rates associated with bicycle helmet use but the dollar figure associated with those potentially avoided accidents many municipalities across the country are crafting laws that require bike riders to wear helmets.

The county health department is given 72 1 2 percent of the funds which are used for bicycle safety education and to help low income families to buy approved helmets for children. California bicycle laws are there for the safety and protection of everyone on public roads. California law stipulates that any money collected in fines for violating the bicycle helmet law shall be divided up. For the most part bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers.

The helmet law was first enacted in 1993 because of the alarming number of children s head trauma and injuries related to bicycle crashes many of which were preventable. Every day thousands of bicyclists hit the sidewalks and streets in the golden state. Know the requirements in your state so that you don t break the law. Under california law all children 17 and under must wear an approved bicycle helmet.

Bicycle law in california is the parts of the california vehicle code that set out the law for persons cycling in california and a subset of bicycle law in the united states in general pretty much all the same rights and responsibilities that apply to car drivers apply to bicycle riders as well. In california if you are under the age of 18 you are required to wear an approved properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet 3 1 if you are either operating or riding as a passenger on a bicycle 2 upon a street bikeway or any other public bicycle path or trail. 4 this requirement also applies to passengers riding in a restraining seat attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by. It s important to note that you still must be 16 years old and wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet whenever you are riding.

Bicycle helmet laws in california. California law does not allow bicyclists to use headphones in both ears while riding a bike on a public roadway. Below for your benefit we summarize the key sections of the law that relate to cycling. Know the requirements in your state so that you don t break the law.

This also applies to children operating roller or inline skates scooters and skateboards if you violate this rule you might face fines civil liability and other penalties. Bicycling is a popular mode of transportation in california with benefits to one s health finances and the environment.