Mandatory Bicycle Helmets:
Questions and Answers

Q. When did the mandatory bike helmet law go into effect?

The new law came into effect as of May 1, 2002. For more information, please visit our website: www.saferoads.com

Q. Who has to wear a helmet?

Anyone under the age of 18 years of age, whether a cyclist or a passenger, must wear an approved bicycle helmet regardless of where the bicyclist is cycling.

Q. Does a child in a trailer, pulled by a bike, require a helmet?

The law is for riders and passengers. A child in a trailer is considered a passenger and must wear an approved helmet.

Q. Is it illegal to sell a bicycle helmet that is not approved?

Yes. It is an offence to buy, sell or offer for sale a bicycle helmet that is not approved. The fine for this is $115.

Q. When will the police start giving out tickets?

Police will assist in the education and awareness of this new law and it is anticipated that there will be little enforcement in the first year.

Q. Who pays the fine?

Parents could be fined if a child under the age of 16 rides without an approved bike helmet. Young adults aged 16 and 17 who ride without an approved helmet could be fined. This is consistent with how seatbelt legislation is enforced.

Q. How much is the fine?

The fine is $69.

Q. Can a person use a motorcycle, skateboarding or snowboarding helmet for bicycling?

No. An approved bicycle helmet must be worn as they are specifically designed for cycling. For a list of approved helmets visit our website at www.saferoads.com/safety/educators_ehelmregs.html.

Each type of helmet is tested for the frequency & intensity of falls that happen when participating in the activity they are designed for. For example, bike helmets are tested & approved for one-time, high impact collisions. Hockey helmets are tested & approved for high frequency but low impact collisions.

The shape of the helmet is also designed to protect the user from the most common types of falls that occur while participating in the specific activity. For example, bicyclists tend to fall forward or to the side and that is where the helmets are designed to protect. In-line skaters tend to fall backwards and that is why helmets approved for in-lining often go further down on the back of the head.

Q. How many bicycle incidents occur in Alberta each year?

In a one-year period, 6,430 people visited an emergency department for a biking injury. This number represents all bicycle-related injuries in Alberta including falls and also includes 593 bicyclists involved in casualty collisions on the roadway.

Q. Where do most bicycle injuries occur?

Bicycle injuries happen on bike trails, paths and roadways. The majority of all injuries occur when a cyclist rides over a pothole or runs into a post, a pedestrian or another bike.

Q. Is the government doing an awareness campaign?

Alberta Transportation, together with their stakeholders, is conducting an education and awareness campaign to inform Albertans of the new law and to promote safe cycling.

This campaign includes brochures and posters that were sent to schools, health regions, stakeholders and bicycle helmet retailers.

Advertisements advising Albertans of the new law were placed in all Alberta newspapers.

Q. Does the law require that a helmet be worn when riding a tricycle?

The new helmet law is only in effect for bicycles. However, it is recommended that a helmet be worn for additional protection when riding a tricycle as it will establish good safety habits at an early age.

Updated April 2004