Helmets
Oregon Helmet Law
Effective on July 1st, 1994 youth under age 16 riding a bicycle, skateboarding, riding a scooter, or using in-line skates, when a passenger on a bike in any public place (streets, roads, sidewalks, parks, ect.) must wear bicycle helmets labeled ANSI and/or Snell approved. Failure to wear the helmet is a traffic infraction punishable by a maximum fine of $25. This law is in violation if the person operating a bicycle carries another person on the bicycle who is under the 16 years of age is not wearing a helmet.
Why wear a Helmet
- It's the law for anyone under the age of 16
- Traumatic brain injuries are the leading cause of death among people admitted to the hospital involving a bicycle crash (Safe Kids Worldwide, 2008).
- A "typical" bicyclist killed on our roads is a sober male over 16 not wearing a helmet riding on a major road between intersections in an urban area on a summer evening when hit by a car (Helmets.org, 2008)
- A very high percentage of cyclists' death injuries can be prevented by a helmet, estimated at anywhere from 45 to 88 per cent. (Helmets.org, 2008).
HELMET FITTING INSTRUCTIONS
Helmet Fitting Instructions in English
Helmet Fitting Instructions in Spanish
To Measure a helmet for proper fit:
- Start with a piece of cloth, string or measuring tape
- Place the tape one finger width above the eyebrow, so it rests above the ears
- Wrap the measuring tape evenly around the head until it is snug
- Note when the measuring tape begins to overlap
- Mark the size in inches/centimeters (If using a piece of cloth, compare the length, with measuring tape)
Low-cost Helmets
Low-cost safety certified bicycle, skate and ski helmets are available at Tom Sargent Children’s Safety Center located at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Lobby. Please contact the Tom Sargent Children’s Safety Center at 503 418-5666 or email safety@ohsu.edu for more information.
