History
In 1995 Maryland began requiring anyone under 16 to ride with a helmet. Since that time, three counties and one town have added their own laws. Counties and towns may modify the state law.
Benefits
Advocates of bike helmets say a properly fitted helmet can prevent a serious injury that can occur from even a minor accident. Law enforcement officials say there are fewer injuries since the law was passed.
Warning
Sykesville passed the most stringent law in the state when it began requiring bicyclists of all ages to wear helmets when riding.
Function
Allegany, Howard and Montgomery Counties already had bicycle helmet laws on the books before the state law was passed. They all now mirror the state law.
Uniformity
The National Highway Traffic Administration has encouraged states to impose helmet requirements, and has adopted a uniform code it offers states to model their laws.
Types
Helmets may be any color or shape, but they must meet the standards of the American National Standards Institute or the American Society of Testing and Measurements.
Article Written By James Jordan
James Jordan has been a writer and photographer since 1980. He has worked for newspapers in Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina and Kansas, winning state press association awards for writing, photography and page design. In 1995 he received his master's in Christian education and completed two years of Ancient Greek at the graduate level. Jordan holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism.
