History
In 2001 the province of Alberta passed a law requiring anyone younger than 18 to wear a helmet while cycling. The law went into effect in May 2002.
Penalties
Parents can be fined if children younger than 16 are caught cycling without a helmet. Children who are 16 or 17 years of age can be fined. The fine is $69.
Features
The law applies to riders and passengers. A child riding in a trailer being pulled by an adult cyclist has to have a helmet. The law does not apply to tricycles.
Types
Helmets must be the type that are made for bicyclists. Other types of helmets, such as those used in other sports, do not qualify.
Prevention/Solution
Officials at Parent Link, an Alberta government website, say serious injuries are significantly reduced by wearing a helmet. A relatively minor accident can result in a serious injury to a rider not wearing a helmet. Head injuries are the leading cause of death from cycle crashes, according to Parent Link.
Opponents
Some bicycle groups are opposed to the legislation. They say injuries are not that common and that bicycle safety training is a better option. They also say the law discourages people from riding bicycles.
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.
