Legislation would Require Bike Helmets, Reflective Clothing for Bike Riders

A newly proposed bill in California comes down hard on one side of a hotly contested issue regarding the necessity of helmets in ensuring the safety of bikers.

1 minute read

February 12, 2015, 7:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"Sen. Carol Liu on Wednesday announced a bill, SB 192, that will require bicycle riders to wear helmets or face a $25 fine," reports Tony Bizjak. "Liu’s bill also would require cyclists to wear reflective clothing when cycling at night."

Bizjak spoke with Dave Snyder, head of the California Bicycle Coalition, for a response to the news. Here's what Snyder had to say: "We think [Senator Liu] has good intentions….We know that the most important thing to protect people who ride bikes is to get more people out there riding bikes. Forcing people to wear crash helmets when they ride is counter productive to that goal."

In a press release announcing the bill, Senator Liu made her thinking behind the legislation clear: "Any responsible bicycle rider should wear a helmet….This law will help protect more people and make sure all riders benefit from the head protection that a helmet provides.”

Responsible adults might disagree with Senator Liu on this issue. It's worth noting that a recent study found that helmet laws discourage children from riding bikes, and the issue of helmet requirements for bikeshare programs has been a subject of intense debate for a long time. 

Wednesday, February 11, 2015 in Sacramento Bee

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Person stepping over hole in sidewalk.

Portland Council Tentatively Approves Sidewalk Repair Plan

The proposal would address sidewalk needs in Portland’s District 1 and District 4.

May 12 - Oregon Public Broadcasting

6-story building at Honolulu Community College.

Expanding Access to Design Education at Honolulu Community College

Honolulu Community College’s Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technologies program highlights the role of community colleges in preparing nontraditional students for careers in architectural and construction technologies.

May 12 - University of Hawai'i News

"Radiation Zone, Keep Out" sign on wood post with red Arizona desert mesa in background

Integrating Human Rights Into Energy and Extractive Sector Transitions

Why just transition efforts must move beyond economic considerations by embedding human rights principles into business practices to ensure equitable, transparent, and accountable outcomes for affected communities and workers.

May 12 - Cambridge University Press

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.