History
Florida passed the state law in 1997 requiring anyone under 16 to wear a helmet while cycling. In early 2010, there was a move in Miami to raise that age to 18 as more people are cycling.
Solution
MIami-Dade County has passed a Bicycle Action Plan, which calls for more bike paths and an overall increase in bike-friendly infrastructure. The plan calls for more education and encouraging bike helmet use.
Opponents
Opponents of bike helmet laws object more to the requirement than helmets. They say the helmets are not as effective as some claim and they provide a false sense of security. They advocate safe biking education efforts instead.
Considerations
Miami has launched a sign and billboard campaign to promote bike safety, which includes wearing helmets, sharing the road and making motorists more aware of cyclists.
Theories/Speculation
Health officials say 80 percent of serious head injuries could be reduced or eliminated by the wearing of helmets while cycling. Sometimes, relatively minor accidents have resulted in serious head injuries.
Prevention
Cycling clubs and law enforcement officials promote the use of helmets by offering them at a reduced price and encouraging all riders to use them.
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.
