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.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 18.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 15.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 12.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 18.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders 1 year or older and under 14. Children under 1 prohibited.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 17.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 17.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16. $25 fine for a second or subsequent violation.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 12.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 18.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 18.
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.
Pedestrian Deaths Soar in 2020 Despite Precipitous Drop in Driving During Pandemic
New data from GHSA projects that 2020 had the largest ever annual increase in the rate at which drivers struck and killed people on foot.
Pedestrian Deaths Soar in 2020 Despite Precipitous Drop in Driving During Pandemic
GHSA News Release
May 20, 2021
Pedestrian Deaths Soar in 2020 Despite Precipitous Drop in Driving During Pandemic
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 20, 2021
CONTACT: Adam Snider, 202-580-7930
202-365-8971 (after hours)
Projected fatality rate for people walking spiked 21% for largest ever year-over-year increase as dangerous driving and traffic violence plagued U.S. roads
Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State: 2020 Preliminary Data
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Story by Amanda Maile and Mina Kaji
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