Bicyclists and Pedestrians
The chart below describes the statewide bicycle helmet use laws across the country. Use the arrows below the chart to toggle through the states in alphabetical order. To advance slowly, click the single right arrow (>). To jump to the end, click the double arrows (>>). Or use the filter by state feature to jump to a specific state.
Scroll down for a summary and overall totals of the number of states that have specific provisions.
Laws last reviewed by State Highway Safety Offices in March 2024.
| Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | Tennessee | Virgin Islands |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bike helmets required?
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 12. |
Bike helmets required?
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16. |
Bike helmets required?
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16. |
Bike helmets required?
Bicycle helmets required for all riders. |
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 12.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders.
Bicyclists and Pedestrians
GHSA does not track state pedestrian safety laws but does track bicycle helmet laws in states where they have been enacted. Few states have enacted bicycle helmet laws. While GHSA only tracks state laws, many localities require helmet use for some or all bicyclists.
- 21 states, the District of Columbia and the Northern Mariana Islands have a helmet law for bicyclists below a certain age, generally about 16.
- Only the Virgin Islands and Guam require helmets for all bicyclists.
- The remaining (unlisted) 29 states and Puerto Rico have no bicycle helmet law.
Sources: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and State Highway Safety Offices (SHSOs).
Laws last reviewed by SHSOs in March 2024.