The New York Assembly has passed a bill mandating helmets for 16- to 17-year-olds using electric bikes. Opponents argue this may reduce cycling participation and safety through a decline in bike-share use. Research supports that protective measures like bike lanes and increased ridership—rather than helmet mandates—enhance cyclist safety. Despite concerns, bill sponsors maintain it protects young riders from injuries. With evidence of higher injury rates for e-bike users, proponents advocate for legislation to close existing loopholes between different classes of e-bikes that are subject to helmet rules.
"Research shows that helmet laws lead to a decline in bike-share use, which also harms public health; increased ridership increases cyclist safety."
"There is extensive evidence that what keeps cyclists safe are protected bike lanes, enforcement against dangerous driver behavior, and more people riding bikes - not mandatory helmet laws."
Collection
[
|
...
]