History
The Illinois state legislature has periodically debated a helmet law that would require anyone under 16 to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. The law has been introduced and defeated a few times in recent years.
Types
Chicago has a law that requires helmets for messengers and people employed making deliveries. It does not apply to police officers.
Considerations
The cities of Inverness, Cicero and Skokie require anyone under 16 to wear a helmet. Barrington requires anyone under 17 to wear a helmet. The city of Libertyville has an ordinance offering incentives but has no requirement.
Opposition
Several cycling organizations oppose helmet laws. They believe helmets give a false sense of security, and that it would be better to teach save driving habits to both cyclists and motorists. Others oppose it because they don't want the government to tell them what to do.
Prevention/Solution
Supporters of bike helmet laws say serious head injuries can result from even minor accidents. They believe helmets could prevent those injuries or at least limit the severity of the injury in many cases.
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.
