BICYCLE SAFETY HELMET STANDARDS

For the purposes of section 112 of the Vehicle Equipment Regulation, a safety helmet intended for the use of an operator or a passenger of a bicycle or worn by an operator or a passenger of a bicycle must comply with the following:

Safety helmet standards

112(1) For the purposes of section 111, a safety helmet intended for the use of an operator or a passenger of a bicycle or worn by an operator or a passenger of a bicycle must meet the standards adopted under subsection (2) in effect on the date on which it was manufactured.

(2) The following are adopted and apply to safety helmets in accordance with subsection (1):

(a) Canadian Standards Association Standard CAN/CSA D113.2-M89 (Cycling Helmets);

(b) Consumer Product Safety Commission, Title 16 Code of U.S. Federal Regulations Part 1203 (Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets);

(c) Snell Memorial Foundation Standard B-90 (1990 Standard for Protective Headgear for Use with Bicycles);

(d) Snell Memorial Foundation Standard B-95 (1995 Standard for Protective Headgear for Use with Bicycles);

(e) Snell Memorial Foundation Standard N-94 (1994 Standard for Protective Headgear in Non-motorized Sports);

(f) American Society for Testing and Materials ASTM F1447-97 (Standard Specification for Protective Headgear Used in Bicycling);

(g) CEN European Standard EN 1078 (Helmets for Pedal Cyclists and for Users of Skateboards and Roller Skates, February 1997);

(h) British Standards Institute BS 6863:1989 (British Standard Specification for Pedal Cyclists Helmets);

(i) Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand 2063-1996 (Pedal Cycle Helmets);

(j) American National Standards Institute ANSI Z90.4-1984 (American National Standard for Protective Headgear for Bicyclists).

(3) A safety helmet must have the mark of one of the organizations referred to in subsection (2), or the manufacturer, indicating that the helmet met one or more of the specifications required on its date of manufacture.

(4) A safety helmet must be constructed so that it

(a) has a hard, smooth outer shell, and

(b) is capable of absorbing energy on impact.

(5) A safety helmet must be designed and equipped so that it is securely attached to a strap that is to be fastened around the chin of the person wearing the safety helmet.

(6) A safety helmet must be free of damage or modification that would reduce its effectiveness.

(7) No person shall buy, sell or offer for sale a safety helmet intended for the use of operators or passengers of bicycles who are less than 18 years old unless it complies with subsections (1) to (6).

To view the Vehicle Equipment Regulation click here.

To receive a copy of the Helmet Handout or Posters contact the Office of Traffic Safety at (780) 422-8839 (dial 310-0000 for toll free service outside Edmonton).
 

Updated February 11, 2010