Skip to content

Bicycle season is here. Do you know where your helmet is?

Parents and guardians may be subject to a fine if their child under the age of 16 is operating a bicycle without a helmet
bicycle helmets turl 2016
Make sure you wear a helmet while biking. Photo by Jeff Turl.

 As summer break starts, OPP are reminding everyone about the importance of safe cycling. You'll see OPP watching for helmet use, proper lighting, and overall safe riding practices.

It is the law under the Highway Traffic Act, that all persons under the age of 18 shall wear an approved bicycle helmet.  Even though cyclists over the age of 18 are not required by law to wear a helmet, the OPP encourages cyclists of all ages to always wear a helmet. 

The use of an approved bicycle helmet greatly reduces the risk of permanent injury or death in the event of a fall or a collision. 

Parents and guardians may be subject to a fine if their child under the age of 16 is operating a bicycle without a helmet.

It is also the law that bicycles have proper lighting and reflectors when being operated between one-half hour before sunset and one-half hour after sunrise. This allows all cyclists to be more visible to traffic in low-light conditions.

"Bicycle safety is an important priority for this summer," comments Staff Sergeant Webb, "We want every cyclist to be able to ride their bikes safely and visibly!"  

Learn more:

Ministry of Transportation- Bicycle Safety