OH SB157

Requires persons under 16 years of age to wear an approved, properly fitted and fastened helmet while operating or riding as a passenger on a bicycle in public areas including streets, highways, bike paths, sidewalks, parks, and public land.

Bicycle rental businesses must provide written explanation of helmet requirements to renters under 16, require parental/guardian attestation of understanding, and provide helmet rentals for a reasonable fee if the renter lacks one; self-service rental companies only need to post notice of requirements.

Helmet non-compliance is not admissible as evidence in civil actions, and compliant rental businesses are granted civil immunity for injuries caused by a renter's failure to wear or properly wear a helmet.

Violations result in fines of up to $25 for first offense and up to $100 for subsequent offenses, with parents/guardians responsible for payment; fines are collected into a bicycle safety fund for education programs and assistance for low-income families purchasing helmets.

Law enforcement officers shall issue only written warnings for one year after the effective date before enforcement through citations begins; municipalities with existing helmet ordinances adopted prior to this law's effective date are exempt from these requirements.