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Is a bicycle helmet required? The surprising answer…

Published 1:30 am Saturday, May 20, 2017

By Melissa Slager Herald Writer

Is a bicycle helmet required? The surprising answer…
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Is a bicycle helmet required? The surprising answer…
Bike helmets are not required in most Snohomish County cities, but are generally considered a safety must. Here, cyclists make their way along the Arlington Stanwood Loop during the McClinchy Mile Bicycle Ride on April 30. (Herald file photo by Kevin Clark)

Note: May is National Bike Month, and Street Smarts celebrated Bike Everywhere Day on May 19. Some other topics covered in celebration:

– Handy for drivers, too: A pocket-sized review of bicycle laws

– The Dutch trick that could save a cyclist from pain — and a driver from breaking the law

One requirement for bicyclists that you won’t find in the Revised Code of Washington: a helmet.

There is no state law requiring helmet use. Cities and counties can make their own laws. But according to a list kept by the state, only one city around here bothers. Lynnwood has required helmets for cyclists of all ages since 2004.

All military installations require them as well, which would include Naval Station Everett.

Local safety groups, like Safe Kids, highly encourage helmets, especially for children. Safe Kids of Snohomish County offers helmets for $10 or by donation at several area fire stations. Learn more at www.providence.org/nw-safekids.

Melissa Slager: streetsmarts@heraldnet.com, 425-339-3432

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