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.
Highlights of Association Activity, FY 2017
GHSA's latest Annual Report highlights the association's activities and accomplishments throughout the 2017 Fiscal Year (July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017).
New Research Indicates Anti-Drunk Driving Efforts Should Include Bicyclists and Pedestrians
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2017
Contact: Madison Forker, mforker@ghsa.org
202-789-0942 x120
With Pedestrian Deaths Surging in 2016, Now is the Time for Action
Statement for attribution to
Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) Executive Director Jonathan Adkins
Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities by State: 2016 Preliminary Data
GHSA's annual Spotlight on Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities projects an 11% increase in the number of persons on foot killed on U.S. roadways in 2016.
Pedestrian Fatalities Projected to Surge 11% in 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2017
Contact: Kara Macek, kmacek@ghsa.org
202-789-0942 x140
Bicycle Helmet Laws: New Mexico
Bike helmets required?
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 18.
Bicycle Helmet Laws: West Virginia
Bike helmets required?
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 15.
Bicycle Helmet Laws: Virgin Islands
Bike helmets required?
Bicycle helmets required for all riders.
Bicycle Helmet Laws: Tennessee
Bike helmets required?
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.
Bicycle Helmet Laws: Rhode Island
Bike helmets required?
Bicycle helmets required for all riders under 16.