Attorney: Town Goes Too Far With Penalties for Parents of Helmetless Kids

Few sensible people would dispute the benefits of encouraging children to ride their bikes. Bikes promote independence and good health for kids (and adults). They also happen to be really fun. Injuries sometimes occur, so kids should be taught safe riding practices and should be encouraged to wear a helmet. When kids wear bike helmets the chance of injury is very significantly reduced. According to Children's Hospital of Illinois, "Wearing a proper fitting helmet can reduce the chances of serious head injuries by 85%." It is hard to argue with statistics like that.

Yeah, children should be encouraged to bike with a helmet, but first they should be encouraged to just ride. Parents need some leeway with regard to how to accomplish that. The new Oak Park ordinance is fairly harsh. "Parents of children under 17 will be required to pay a $25 fine or perform up to four hours of community service if their child is caught three times riding a bicycle without a helmet," according to The Chicago Tribune. Many parents will feel it necessary to force their children to wear a helmet in the face of this potential punishment. Some may even receive the misleading message that if the law requires helmet use perhaps biking is just too dangerous an activity for their kids. In my opinion, helmet use for kids and adults alike should be encouraged, not mandated.