Ontario Bicycle Helmet Law
Bicycle helmet laws in Ontario, Canada, focus on children. The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto found that the regulations have saved lives. They advocate for stronger bicycle helmet laws governing adults in the province, but as of March 2010, if you are older than 18, you are not required to wear a bicycle helmet.
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History
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According to the city of Toronto's website, a bill requiring helmet use in Ontario was first introduced in the Canadian Parliament in July 1990. After several years of debate, the law was passed on July 28, 1993. It did not go into effect for two years, though, on the recommendation of the Toronto Cycling Committee. The group supported the law but wanted to give helmet manufacturers, law enforcement and the public time to prepare for the regulations. Ontario's bicycle helmet law took effect on Oct. 1, 1995.
The Law
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Originally, Ontario's bicycle helmet law was meant to apply to all riders. The city of Toronto notes that it was modifed by then-Minister of Transportation Al Palladini. Palladini believed that adults should be able to make up their own mind. As a result, only individuals younger than 18 are required to wear a helmet. A key provision is that the law only applies to riders on public roads, according to Ontario's ministry of transportation. The ministry says violation of the law carries a fine of $75, as of March 2010.
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Helmets
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Toronto recommends using the "2-4-1 salute" to ensure your helmet fits properly. You should be able to position two fingers from the base of the helmet to your eyebrows. Four fingers should form a 'V" under and around your ear, with your fingertips pointing up. One finger should fit underneath the taut chin strap of your helmet. Helmets must meet the safety standards set by one of six groups, including the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), Toronto says.
Effects
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Research by SickKids hospital shows that between 1991 and 2002, cycling-related deaths among children between 1 and 15 dropped 52 percent, from 13 to six deaths a year. The organization credits the Ontario helmet legislation, noting that there was not a significant change in fatalities for those not covered by the law.
Other Provinces
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Toronto reports that, as of March 2010, laws in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island require all cyclists to wear a helmet---regardless of age. The province of Alberta shares the same law as Ontario. According to Safe Kids Canada, Quebec, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan, Nunavut and the Yukon and Northwest Territories have no provincial legislation regarding bicycle helmets.
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References
- Photo Credit Girl Staing on Road Inside Park With Bicycle and Helmet image by Andrei Merkulov from Fotolia.com
