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Bicycle Advocates Express Concern over Proposed Mandatory Helmet Use for Adult Bicyclists

BIKLaw Medical Malpractice Lawyer > Car Accident > Bicycle Advocates Express Concern over Proposed Mandatory Helmet Use for Adult Bicyclists

While bicycle helmet use in California has been mandated for children under the age of 18 since 1994, adult bicyclists are not required by law to wear a helmet. Recently proposed legislation seeks to change this, and bicycle advocates are concerned.

Last month, Senator Carol Liu introduced a bill that would require all bicyclists to wear helmets, regardless of their age. Liu notes that “Any responsible bicycle rider should wear a helmet. This law will help protect more people and make sure all riders benefit from the head protection that a helmet provides.”

If the bill becomes law, California would become the first state to require bicycle helmet use by adult bicyclists.

Bicycle advocates, however, don’t agree that a mandatory bike helmet law for adults is necessary or even helpful to the bicycle movement as a whole. According to the Huffington Post, bicycle advocates are concerned such a law would deter people from riding a bicycle in the first place. Advocates argue that road safety increases for everyone when there are more bicyclists and pedestrians rather than when there are less.

While advocates are not against the use of helmets, they aren’t happy with the idea that helmet use be mandated. A better solution, they say, would be to reduce the number of cars on the road, increase the number of bike lanes and have protected bike lanes.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a Los Angeles bicycle-motor vehicle accident, Bradley I. Kramer and his experienced legal team are here to help you obtain the compensation to which you are entitled. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.

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