Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti is pleased to announce that his two proposed bicycle safety bills have been signed by the County Executive and become effective immediately. The laws change helmet requirements and consequences for reckless bike-riding activity.
The first piece of legislation amends the current bicycle law to now mandate that children up until the age of 18 are required to wear bike helmets while riding a bike, scooter, motorized scooter, motorized bicycle, or roller blades and skates. The law also applies to passengers on all bike vehicles. The current New York State law only mandates bike helmets for children under 14. Penalty for failure to wear a helmet as required does not change. It remains a $50 penalty.
The second piece of legislation addresses a new trend that is occurring throughout Long Island where children are riding bikes and scooters recklessly, terrorizing drivers while doing wheelies, and playing “chicken” against traffic. The law imposes a $100 fine on the parents of children over the age of 12 who engage in this dangerous behavior. The law also allows the Nassau County Police Department to impound the rider’s bike. The bikes will only be returned to their parents. This offense is a misdemeanor and will be handled in Family Court.
Legislator Ferretti stated, “It is important that our children understand the importance of bike safety. This legislation makes is abundantly clear that safety is a priority and that reckless activity will not be tolerated. I will continue holding bike safety forums and my free children helmet giveaway events throughout our community as often as possible.”