Helmet laws
Streetsblog Basics
Vision Zero Cities: Bicycles Are Not Cars So They Shouldn’t Have to Follow the Same Rules
The default in nearly all states is to impose the same traffic rules on bicycles as on motor vehicles even though the needs of cyclists are so different.
October 24, 2025
Albany Pols Seize the Helm(et)
Helmet laws remain controversial — they're the "common-sense" approach pushed by lawmakers who ignore that studies show they don't improve safety.
May 30, 2025
Friday Video: A Deep Dive on the Endless Debate Over Bike Helmets
Everything you need to know the next time someone asks you if you're "for" or "against" bike helmets.
May 23, 2025
Teen Helmet Mandate for E-Citi Bikes? Albany Lawmakers are Up to No Good Again
Key state lawmakers want to require some Citi Bike users to wear helmets — a mandate that studies have shown can dramatically reduce ridership. Plus other news from the State Capitol.
May 7, 2025
Three Common Types of Bike Laws That Are Overdue for an Overhaul
There is almost no evidence that cycling regulations are making U.S. streets safer, and more than enough evidence that they should be overhauled to prevent disproportionately harmful impacts against people of color, a new study finds.
August 24, 2022
The Forgotten Other Good Reason for Repealing Seattle’s Bike-Helmet Law
Helmet laws discourage cycling, which undermines public health.
February 28, 2022
STREETS WEEK! While Touting Support for Cycling, Mayor Considers Something that Would Undermine It
On the third day, de Blasio created fake news about cycling.
May 12, 2021
THEY’RE HAMMERING HANK! DOT Commissioner Goes off Message and Says He Favors Helmet Laws
Activists were quick to pounce on Gutman as ill-informed and misfocused, given that the DOT should be focused solely on making roads safer, not on individual behavior.
April 15, 2021
Op-Ed: Fix the Flaws in the State’s E-Bike Law
Differing helmet requirements, labeling, and local edicts will confuse riders, manufacturers — and the (too often uninformed) police.
May 20, 2020
