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Home » Blog » Statement on NTSB decision to endorse mandatory helmet laws

Statement on NTSB decision to endorse mandatory helmet laws

November 8, 2019/Lauren Jenkins
On November 5, the National Transportation Safety Board staff presented the board with their report, “Bicyclist safety on US Roadways: Crash Risks and Countermeasures” and recommendations. While the report noted bike infrastructure and better vehicle design are critical elements to bicyclists’ safety, the board members chose to place an emphasis on and change staff recommendations to reflect mandatory helmet usage. This is the League’s initial response to the NTSB meeting:  

The League thanks NTSB for its thorough research on the safety of people biking on America’s roadways. We are encouraged that NTSB highlighted the need for further action by the National Highway Safety Administration, the Federal Highway Administration, and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials to improve motor vehicle safety systems and design safer roadways with better bike infrastructure, but we are disappointed with NTSB’s decision to endorse mandatory helmet laws for all people who bike.

The League believes that the safety of people who bike will be best advanced through coordinated improvements to streets and cars, which kill more than 90% of people who die while biking, rather than laws that may be enforced in discretionary and discriminatory ways. As advocates for both bicycling and bike safety, the League recommends that people wear a helmet while riding and most importantly recommends that people ride a bike. 

For media or other inquiries about the League’s positions, please email [email protected].

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