HB6114 Summary: Child Bicycle Helmet Safety Law

• Requires all persons under age 18 operating or riding as passengers on bicycles on highways, multipurpose public paths, or other public rights-of-way to wear a protective bicycle helmet meeting U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards, fastened securely with straps.

• Prohibits bicycle passengers from riding unless they can maintain an erect seated position and are at least one year old, or are properly seated alone on a saddle seat, or (if under 40 pounds or 40 inches in height) are secured in a separate bicycle safety seat.

• Makes it unlawful for parents or legal guardians to permit children under 18 to ride bicycles in violation of helmet and seating requirements; violations are civil offenses with civil penalties not exceeding $30, waivable upon proof of purchasing appropriate safety equipment.

• Prohibits rental or lease of bicycles to persons under 18 unless the person possesses a protective helmet or the rental includes a helmet of good fit.

• Effective immediately upon becoming law.