BICYCLE HELMET SAFETY STANDARDS

The Belleville Police Service would like to remind parents that children under the age of 18 years must wear an approved helmet while operating a bicycle. Failure to comply with this section of the Highway Traffic Act could result in a fine of $80.00.

In order to be approved, a helmet must meet one of the following standards:
 
Canadian Standards Association CAN/CSA D113.2-M89
 
Snell Memorial Foundation B-95, N-94, B-90, B90S
 
American National Standards Institute ANSIZ90.4-1984

British Standards Institute BSG863:1989

Standards Association of Australia AS2063.2-1990

Helmets with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) label alone are not approved at this time. Although these helmets are likely safe, they currently do not comply with regulation 610 of the Highway Traffic Act and should be limited to off-road use.

BICYCLE HELMETS – QUESTION AND ANSWER

Do I have to wear a bicycle helmet while riding on the road?
Yes. If you are under the age of 18, you are required by law to wear an approved bicycle helmet when traveling on any public road.
Cyclists over 18 years of age are encouraged to wear helmets for their own safety, but are not required by law. 

Why was the bicycle helmet law introduced?
Research shows that helmets can be extremely effective in preventing head injuries. About three-quarters of all cycling fatalities involve head injuries. The Government of Ontario is committed to promoting cycling safety.

What is the fine for not wearing a helmet?
The fine is $60.00 with court costs of $5.00 and a victim fine surcharge of $15.00 = $80.00 for a plea of guilty.

How do I know which helmet to buy?
Consumers should look for a helmet that fits comfortably and meets safety standards. Check the inside of the helmet for stickers from one or more of the following organizations:

• Canadian Standard Association: CAN/CSA D113.2-M89
• Snell Memorial Foundation: Snell B90, Snell B90S, or Snell N94
• American National Standard Institute: ANSI Z90.4-1984
• American Society For Testing and Materials: ASTMF1447-94
• British Standards Institute: BS6863-1989
• Standards Association of Australia: AS2063.2-1990

Do I have to wear a bicycle helmet while riding a power-assisted bicycle (also known as an electric bicycle or e-bike)?
Anyone operating an electric bicycle must wear an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet at all times.

EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 3RD

Effective October 3rd, 2006, power-assisted bicycles (commonly known as electric bicycles or e-bikes) will be able to travel on Ontario roads as a bicycle. The pilot project was opened to all Ontarians 16 years of age and older and ran for three years. For the duration of the pilot, electric bicycles were treated as bicycles and must follow the same rules of the road set out in the Highway Traffic Act. The pilot project is now over and has become law. E-cyclists need to remember there are two exceptions: operators must be 16 years of age and older.