Bike helmet laws: the nanny state expands south
The other night, we were walking up Pike Street when we saw a police car whiz by with its lights on and pull to a screeching halt...behind a helmet-less bicyclist. We couldn't figure out why, until we got to thinking: does Seattle seriously have a helmet law?The answer, it appears, is yes. And it's inspiring other cities to do the same:
All bicycle riders would have to wear a safety helmet under a law in the works before the Vancouver City Council.Right... because Washingtonians can't be expected to make safe decisions, the government has a duty to do it for us. After all, nothing keeps society safer than laws governing how we protect our own bodies.
The regulation would require helmets for all riders and passengers on bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, roller skates and unicycles on all roads, sidewalks and trails.
Seattle, Tacoma and Spokane, already have laws requiring helmets for all bicyclists.
Who is at risk if I don't wear a helmet when riding my bike? I am. And I alone. If the Vancouver City Council has any respect for the mental capacity of their city's residents, they'll strike this law down.
But given the state of local politics in Washington, don't hold your breath.
