(SOUTH BRUCE COUNTY, ON) – On March 14th, 2011 at 6:40 pm, a South Bruce OPP officer on patrol observed a youth riding a bicycle with no helmet. The youth was returned home and a warning was issued on the importance of wearing a properly fit bike helmet. With the students on March break and warmer weather coming, the South Bruce OPP is sending a reminder about bicycle helmets.
The set fine for riding without a helmet under 18 years is $75.00. Cyclists over 18 years of age are encouraged to wear helmets for their own safety, but this is not required by law.
Safe Kids Canada advises a properly fitted bike helmet decreases the risk of serious head injury by as much as 85%.
The Bike Helmet Research Foundation notes a significant reduction in the number of child cyclists admitted to hospital with a head injury since helmet use became law.
South Bruce OPP Detachment Commander Bill Klym wants cyclists to be safe, “Be aware of the vehicles, obey the rules of the road and definitely wear your bike helmet, that’s a ‘no-brainer’.