California mandatory bicycle helmet law and retroreflective clothing bill [Senate Bill 192 2015]
This is an interesting bill (reprinted below as of this posting) just introduced February 10, 2015 here in the California Legislature. Most states bicycle helmet laws only require helmets for minors (under 18). This proposed law goes well beyond that requiring helmets for all riders. Typically the motorcycle helmet laws in various states cover riders of all years and those don't seem to be well received by riders. The fine proposed in this bill is $25.00 but with all the penalty assessments tacked on to fines these days the fine amount is usually 1/3 of the total price of the violation. There is also a "retroreflective" clothing requirement in here. That of course is going to be tricky as well as most bike clothing that is "highly visible" still may not comply with the American National Standard (ANSI) for High-Visibility Safety Apparel and Headwear. So I don't see this going anywhere fast but who knows. They finally got the Three Foot Passing law passed after 2 or three attempts.
Also below the California bill, a Wyoming bill (HB 0206 introduced 2015) now also has its own take on what clothing ("...high visibility fluorescent orange, green or pink color clothing...") should be worn. Fortunately the two states are not right next to each other otherwise you would have to change clothing as you crossed state lines ! Better call the Fashion Police.
California Senate Bill No. 192 |
Introduced by Senator Liu |
February 10, 2015 |
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
Digest Key
Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YESBill Text
The people of the State of California do enact as follows:
SECTION 1.
Section 21212 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:21212.
(a) (1) A personSEC. 2.
No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution.HOUSE BILL NO. HB0206
Bicycles on roadways.
Sponsored by: Representative(s) Northrup, Burkhart, Hunt, Jaggi, Paxton and Steinmetz
A BILL for AN ACT relating to regulation of traffic on roadways; requiring bicyclists using roadways to wear colored clothing and carry photo identification; requiring lights on the rear of the bicycle as specified; and providing for an effective date.
Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Wyoming:
31-5-704. Riding on roadways and designated paths.
(d) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall wear not less than two hundred (200) square inches of high visibility fluorescent orange, green or pink color clothing visible from the front and the rear of the bicycle.
(e) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall carry a government issued form of photo identification that includes the person's name, address and date of birth.
31-5-706. Lamps and other equipment.
(d) In addition to the lamps and reflectors required under this section, every bicycle shall be equipped at all times with a light emitting device, such as a strobe light or flashing light, on the rear of the bicycle.
Section 2. This act is effective July 1, 2015.