History
Massachusetts first passed a helmet law in 1994 requiring 12-year-olds to wear helmets. In 2004 that age was raised to 16. There has been some talk about raising it to 18.
Benefits
Health officials say serious head injuries could be either avoided or the severity lessened by using helmets. Most injuries are suffered by children. Sometimes even minor accidents can cause serious injuries.
Opposition
Some cyclists object to a law requiring helmet use. They feel that the helmets do not provide all that much protection, and they advocate more safety training instead.
Effects
Opponents of helmets say the laws result in fewer young people riding bikes. Proponents of even tougher laws say it sends the message that people of a certain age do not need helmets. Most people think helmets are a good idea, even if they oppose a law.
Considerations
Massachusetts is one of the few states that does not give cities the option of changing the law, or opting out of the law.
Function
Helmets must fit correctly and be approved by the American National Standards Institute.
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.
