BILL NUMBER: S2526
SPONSOR: FELDER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to requiring
all persons in a city having a population of one million or more operat-
ing a bicycle, electric bicycle or electric scooter to wear a helmet
 
PURPOSE:
To require every person operating a bicycle, E-Bike or E-Scooter in New
York City to wear a helmet.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one adds a new section 114-f to the vehicle and traffic law that
defines an electric bicycle.
Section two adds a new section 1242-b to the vehicle and traffic law
that requires every person operating a bicycle, electric bicycle or
electric scooter in a city having a population of one million or more,
to wear a helmet. Helmets must meet certain national standards.
Furthermore, this legislation defines the penalty for not wearing a
helmet, which is a civil penalty not more than fifty dollars. It also
clarifies that for a person less than sixteen years of age, the parent
or guardian shall be liable for the violation.
Section three is the enacting clause.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in a majority
of bicyclist deaths, the most serious injuries are to the head. Helmet
use has been estimated to reduce the odds of head injury by 50 percent,
and the odds of head, face, or neck injury by 33 percent. This is espe-
cially important in the City of New York because, according to the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 71% of bicyclist deaths
occur in urban areas. Now that e-bikes and e-scooters are legal in New
York state, there is even more concerns for the safety of riders, as
these vehicles can travel up to speeds of 20 to 25 mph.
It has been proven time and time again that bicycle helmets saves lives.
Requiring everyone who operates a bicycle, e-bikes or e-scooters to wear
a helmet is a simple and effective was to save lives in New York City.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2021-2022: S7203 - Transportation Committee
2023-2024: S1375 - Transportation Committee
 
FISCAL IMPACT:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect 90 days after it shall become law.