So we thought this would be a good opportunity to give you an update on the newest law amendments that came out in January 2003. The amended law in question is 21212(a) of the California Vehicle Code.

The law reads: A person under 18 years of age shall not operate a bicycle, a non-motorized scooter, or a skateboard, nor shall they wear in-line or roller skates, nor ride upon a bicycle, a non-motorized scooter, or a skateboard as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, or any other public bicycle path or trail unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities. Most helmets sold in any reputable bike shop carry helmets that meet these standards.

This requirement also applies to a person who rides upon a bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle. The parent or legal guardian having control or custody of an un-emancipated minor whose conduct violates this section shall be jointly and severely liable with the minor for the amount of the fine imposed pursuant to this subdivision.

The previous law only stipulates that a helmet be warn with bicycles, but now it includes almost everything else on wheels. This is an important law because it directly relates to the safety of our children.

Falling and being injured on skateboards, scooters or skates is every bit as dangerous as falling on bikes. Head protection can be the difference between a minor injury and a major one. This law is what we like to call a "For your own good law," much like the seat-belt law and the motorcycle helmet law before it. There is a lot of grumbling about them at first, but they have proved to save many lives. Traffic laws are in place to help keep us safe, and this is a very good amendment.

Helmets range in price from $20 to $30. If your child is cited for not wearing a helmet, the cost of the fine is usually greater than the cost of the helmet, so you really can't afford not to get one.

For those who can't get the necessary funds together, the Alameda Hospital has sponsored a helmet giveaway for the past two years at the annual wellness fair.

The hospital may in fact have the program again this year, but it will not happen again until October. Most kids will probably want to ride in this summer's warm weather, so please do your best to save for one now.

To make sure your children are as safe as they can possibly be, make sure they are wearing their helmets properly. Helmets should be worn snugly so as not to fall off when the head is tilted in any direction. A good rule of thumb is the finger test. You should not be able to get more than one finger in between the chin strap and the chin when the helmet is fastened.

Many children are seen riding through town with their helmets hanging on their handlebars, or dangling around their necks. Helmets used in this fashion will not prevent injury and very likely could earn them a ticket or worse. Let's work together and help safeguard our children.

Don't send them out on their bikes, scooters, skates or skateboards without a proper helmet. Happy riding!

Officers Jarrod Suth and Paul Hischier staff the Alameda Police Department's Community Oriented Policing Preventative Services (COPPS) unit. Their column appears Fridays. They can be reached at (510) 337-8340, extension 8305.

Check out the department's Web site at www.ci.alameda.ca.us and click on the police department option.

The Oakland Tribune: Cityside
Leanne McLaughlin, Managing Editor
(510) 208-6447
(510) 208-6477 Fax
lmclaughlin@angnewspapers.com Email