Requires all persons in a city having a population of one million or more operating a bicycle, bicycle with electric assist or electric scooter to wear a helmet; imposes a civil penalty for violation of such requirement.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A9876
SPONSOR: Abbate TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to requiring
all persons in a city having a population of one million or more operat-
ing a bicycle, bicycle with electric assist or electric scooter to wear
a helmet
PURPOSE:
To require every person operating a bicycle, bicycle with electric
assist or electric scooter in New York City to wear a helmet.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one adds a new section 1242 to the vehicle and traffic law that
requires every person operating a bicycle, bicycle with electric assist
or electric scooter in a city having a population of one million or
more, to wear a helmet. Helmets must meet certain national standards.
Furthermore, this legislation defines the penalty for not wearing a
helmet, which is a civil penalty not more than fifty dollars. It also
clarifies that for a person less than sixteen years of age, the parent
or guardian shall be liable for the violation.
Section two is the enacting clause.
JUSTIFICATION:
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in a majority
of bicyclist deaths, the most serious injuries are to the head. Helmet
use has been estimated to reduce the odds of head injury by 50 percent,
and the odds of head, face, or neck injury by 33 percent. This is espe-
cially important in the City of New York because, according to the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 71% of bicyclist deaths
occur in urban areas. Now that bicycles with electric assist and elec-
tric scooters are legal in New York state, there is even more concerns
for the safety of riders, as these vehicles can reach significant
speeds.
It has been proven time and time again that helmets save lives. Requir-
ing everyone who operates a bicycle with electric assist or electric
scooters to wear a helmet is a simple and effective was to save lives in
New York City.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
FISCAL IMPACT:
To be determined.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall. take effect 90 days after it shall become law.
