HB0707 Boucher, Bill

P R E F I L E D

HB 707 -- Bicycle Safety

This bill requires bicyclists to wear a helmet when operating a bicycle. The helmet must meet the standards of the American National Standards Institute Z 90.4 or the Snell Memorial Foundation's Standards for Protective Headgear for use in bicycling.

Failure to wear a bicycle helmet will not be considered evidence of comparative negligence and will not in any way bar an action for personal injury or wrongful death by or on behalf of such person, nor reduce the damages recoverable in any such action.

The Department of Public Safety must initiate and develop a program of public information to develop understanding and ensure compliance with this bill. The director must establish a Bicycle Helmet Safety Advisory Committee to assist in the development and implementation of the program. The advisory committee will consist of 10 members, including members representing bicycle dealerships, bicyclist organizations, safety organizations, law enforcement agencies, medical and trauma units or organizations, the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Health, and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.