NYC May Repeal Helmet Law to get More Bicyclists Riding

New York City is getting ready to roll out their bicycle share program and has decided not to require cyclists to wear helmets.

1 minute read

October 19, 2011, 9:00 AM PDT

By Cathie Pagano

Farrell says that while city officials and advocates believe that helmets are best, the disdain from the public for more regulation causes them to steer clear of requiring helmets while riding.

"Helmets, however, despite their ubiquity in the city's advertisements to encourage bicycling, are not mandatory for adults in New York. And neither city officials nor cycling advocacy groups are proposing a law to require them."

"Making helmets compulsory, they contend, could actually make cycling less safe. The more bikes on the street, their thinking goes, the safer bike-riding is; and helmet laws discourage people from joining in, because of either the cost and inconvenience of buying a helmet or fears of fines. City officials and some experts say helmet laws have hindered bike-share programs in other places."

Thanks to Cathie Pagano

FULL STORY: A Gentle Push for Bikers, Not a Shove

Friday, October 14, 2011 in The New York Times

Government / Politics Infrastructure Social / Demographics New York Bicycling Helmets View More

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