OHSU

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). 

To Measure a helmet for proper fit:

  1. Start with a piece of cloth, string or measuring tape
  2. Place the tape one finger width above the eyebrow, so it rests above the ears
  3. Wrap the measuring tape evenly around the head until it is snug
  4. Note when the measuring tape begins to overlap
  5. Mark the size in inches/centimeters (If using a piece of cloth, compare the length, with measuring tap)

 

ThinkFirst Oregon offers low-cost safety certified bicycles, skate and ski helmets to schools that participate in our educational programs.  We also sell helmets at community health and safety fairs.  The helmets are available in all sizes from toddler to adult, in limited colors.  Contact the ThinkFirst office at (503) 494-7801 or e-mail thnkfrst@ohsu.edu for more information about our bicycle helmets.