March 28, 2024

Pressure building for repeal of helmet law

A local cycling group, as well as a BC Liberal, want to repeal the law that requires cyclists to wear helmets.

This, as the City of Vancouver moves ahead with a bike-share program.

Chris Bruntlett with ‘Sit Up Vancouver’ says requiring helmets deters people from cycling because — among other reasons — they aren’t convenient.

But what about needing a helmet to stay safe?

“if that’s the case, then you should be wearing a helmet when you cross the street or when you drive a car. Both modes of transportatation — you’re just as likely to get a head injury than you are riding a bicycle. Riding a bicycle is perfectly safe.”

Ted Dixon, the BC Liberals’ Policy Chair, also supports a repeal.

Vancouver’s Director of Transportation, meanwhile, says he acknowledges the impact the helmet law could have on bike-sharing, but doesn’t want to change the law.

Jerry Dobrovolny instead supports selling or lending helmets to bike-share users.

CKNW Vancouver News

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