Bike helmet rules: The Monday Consult
A while ago, Kayris asked:
I know MD has a bike helmet law. But how strict is it, and does it apply to my 17 month old riding a push toy on my sidewalk?
With the help of transportation guru Michael Dresser, I found some information on the Maryland State Highway Administration web site.
The basic answer is that anyone under the age of 16 in Maryland has to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle on public property, including roadways, trails and sidewalks. In a few places, the requirement extends further: in Howard County you must wear a helmet until you're 17; until 18 in Montgomery County, and in Sykesville, the web site says, everyone must have a helmet, even adults.
The web site also has good tips for making sure a helmet fits properly:
--Put the helmet on your head so it sits evenly between the ears and rests low on your forehead. It should only be about 1-2 finger widths above your eyebrow, the web site says.
--Put foam pads inside the helmet so it feels comfortable but really snug. Usually, the helmet includes more than one size of foam pads that can be velcroed inside the helmet for a better fit.
--Tighten the chin strap as snugly as possible. Adjust the junction of front and back straps, just under the ears, and secure back strap without putting pressure on the front strap.
The web site says all bicycle riders are encouraged to wear helmets whenever they ride, because helmets reduce the risk of serious head injury by 85 percent.
That doesn't really answer Kayris' question about her toddler on a push toy, which isn't technically a bicycle. I'm trying to get clarification on that; if I can get a firm answer, I'll post it.
Comments
As the parent of two daughters who went over the handlebars of their bicycles when I was right there but powerless to reach them in time, I am a firm believer in bike helmets. Both ER docs told us the girls' facial injuries were limited by their helmets. By starting a child out on a push toy wearing a helmet, it will get her used to the feeling of wearing the helmet correctly. Then, when it is time to ride a tricycle and, later on a bicycle, the wearing of a helmet will be a normal part of the experience. I've told my daughters the reason I will not bend on the helmet issue is that I didn't ever want to have to tell them I was sorry that they got hurt because I allowed them to break our family rules.
Posted by: Annie | August 18, 2008 8:58 AM
I cannot believe you have to look this up!!!
Of course a child should have a helmet if they are riding a push toy. The risk for injury is just too great at such a young age; permanent brain damage or even death could occur.
In case some people missed that part, I said death.
Your childen could die if they do not have a helmet. It is just too much risk for me to bear. And if I cannot bear the risk, no one else should either.
But what about the other times when a child should be wearing a helmet? Strollers can tip over, leading to possible death. And what about when children are very young (their most vulnerable age) and they have not mastered balance yet? How many times have you seen a child standing perfectly fine, then just fall over? It happens a lot; just go to a playground and see for yourself. Do you want to have to tell people little Johnny has to be in "special" classes because you let him run around on the driveway without a helmet?
I don't think so.
Posted by: Jeff Farrell | August 18, 2008 8:32 PM
most irritating sight from my vacation: seeing kids wearing helmets, but parents not. [ ] so the kid will be fine...but the parents will be in long-term care with severe head injuries?
Posted by: jon | August 24, 2008 5:34 PM