For Bicyclists

It's Bicycle SeasonBe safe wear a helmet

It's bicycle season. The tires are pumped up, the chain has been cleaned. Maybe you'll even give in and buy your youngest those cycling shorts with the neon green stripe down the side. But wait, there's something missing - a helmet. Without a helmet, anyone who rides a bike simply isn't geared up for safety. So, when you're going biking, Head Out with a Helmet.

Bicycle Helmet Law

By law, all bicyclists under the age of 14 are required to wear approved bicycle helmets when bicycling or riding as passengers on bicycles in New York State. The maximum penalty for an offense is a $50 fine. However, if a parent can prove that a helmet has been obtained, the fine will be waived.

Bicycle Injury Facts

  • Each year, about 54 New York State residents are killed in bicycle crashes.
  • Each year, about 2,000 New York State residents are hospitalized due to bicycle-related injuries. Of these hospitalizations, approximately 38% involve a brain injury.
  • Head injury is the leading cause of death and permanent disability in bicycle crashes. Head injuries account for more than 60% of bicycle-related deaths, more than two-thirds of bicycle-related hospital admissions, and about one-third of hospital emergency department visits for bicycling injuries.
  1. Why wear helmets?
  2. What should you look for when buying a helmet?
  3. Are there other safety precautions to take when riding a bicycle?
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