NY S00695

Requires all persons operating a bicycle on public highways, private roads open to public use, and parks to wear a helmet meeting standards set by ANSI, Snell, ASTM, SEI, or CPSC.

Establishes a traffic infraction with a maximum civil penalty of $50, enforceable under vehicle and traffic law article 2-A.

Waives civil penalties for minors under 16 if parent or guardian purchases or rents a compliant helmet by the appearance date, or if experiencing economic hardship.

Makes parents or guardians liable for violations by minors under 16; summons issued only when violation occurs in parent/guardian's presence and parent/guardian is 18 or older.

Prohibits non-compliance from constituting contributory negligence or reducing damages in personal injury or wrongful death actions; requires health department to distribute multilingual informational materials.