Bicycle | Safety Tips | Crime Prevention | Public Safety

Bicycle Helmet Regulations

As of August 17, 2003 the King County Helmet Regulation mandates:

Helmet use by persons of all ages in all parts of the County, including the City of Seattle.
Helmets meet current U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or Snell safety standards.
Helmets be fastened while riding.
An infraction carries a $30 penalty. Courts have the discretion to waive the ticket for a first-time violator who can show proof of purchase of a helmet.

60% of bicycle-related deaths
Two-thirds of bicycle related hospitalizations
One-third of bicycle related hospital ER visits (-NSKC, 2004)
Bicycle helmets have been shown to reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85% and the risk of brain injury by as much as 88%:(-NEJM, 1989)
Wear a bicycle helmet every time you ride.
Make sure your bicycle helmet has a "CPSC" or "Snell" sticker inside. This is your guarantee that it has met the most rigorous safety standards.
Purchase a new helmet after a crash, or after 5 years of use.
Learn the rules of the road and obey all traffic laws.

King County medical and health experts concluded that, between 1998-2002, 3 out of the 5 young people who die from bike-related injuries would have survived if they were wearing helmets. (-King County Medical Examiners Office)
Approximately 75% of all bicycle-related injuries occur among children ages 14 and under. (-NSKC, 2004)
Make sure your kids wear a helmet every time they ride.
Teach your children about the rules of the road and traffic laws.
Children under the age of 10 need adult supervision while riding.
Purchase a new helmet for your child after a crash, after 5 years of use, and when your child outgrows it.
Make sure the helmet fits correctly. One study found that children whose helmets fit poorly are at twice the risk of a head injury in a crash compared with children whose helmet fit is excellent. (- HIPRC, 1999)