Bicycle Helmets 

New York State law requires that all bicyclists under the age of 14 are required to wear approved bicycle helmets when bicycling, or riding as passengers in New York State. The maximum penalty for an offense is a $50 fine.

Promoting bicycle rodeos, distributing helmet safety literature, and distributing helmets will enable us to impact this concern. The Dutchess County Traffic Safety Board is committed to continuing bicycle safety education with programming focused on helmet usage/safety, and skills development.

Statistics reveal:

• Bicycles are fun, yet 500,000 annual injuries nationwide are cause for taking safety precautions.
• Each year 800 cyclists are killed, one third are kids ages 5 – 15.
• 63% of all cyclist fatalities occur in urban non-intersection locations between 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm during the Summer.
• Of the 800 cyclists killed each year, the cyclists are usually at fault.
• 80% of the deaths in bicycle crashes result from brain injury.
• Research shows that Helmet use while bicycling can reduce the chance of sustaining a Brain Injury by 88%.

How to Fit a Bicycle Helmet

Research shows that helmets are effective in reducing head and brain injury in a crash. Demonstrating Bicycle Helmet Effectiveness: A How to Guide will help to provide visual demonstrations to show the effectiveness of bicycle helmets use.A mixture of shock value, hands-on learning, group activity, and open discussion is used to deliver the vital message—wear a helmet every time you ride a bicycle!

Bicycle Safety Skills Rodeos

The goal of any bicycle rodeo is to provide an opportunity for the participants to learn, practice, and demonstrate their bicycle handling skills in a fun, noncompetitive atmosphere. Organizing a Bike Rodeo (.pdf).

A step-by-step approach to planning and initiating a bicycle safety skills event. Cycling Skills Clinic Guide (.pdf).

Bicycle safety videos and educationals materials are available.