Cyclists Without Helmets to Be Cited
Citations will soon be issued to children ages 17 and under who don’t wear bicycle helmets, officials said Wednesday.
Sheriff’s Deputy Julie Smith said the department will aggressively enforce the state law.
“We want kids to know there is a consequence to not doing this.”
National Transportation Safety Board figures show that 130,000 children under age 15 are hospitalized each year because of injuries on bicycles. Eighty-five percent of those could be avoided by wearing a helmet, according to the board.
The first time children are caught riding without helmets, they will be required to go to court, accompanied by a parent, and show the judge they have since purchased or own a helmet.
Each time afterward there will be a $25 fine.
Basic helmets can be bought at sporting goods stores for about $10 to $20, Smith said.
Free helmets, provided by the department and the Kiwanis Club, can also be obtained by calling Moorpark deputies at 532-2700.
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