Child passengers one through four years of age must wear approved bicycle helmets and ride in a specially designed child safety seat. Children under the age of one are prohibited from being transported on a bicycle. Certain localities within the State of New York have passed local ordinances regarding helmet use for bicyclists. For example, Rockland and Erie Counties require all people riding bicycles on county property, regardless of age, to wear an approved bicycle helmet. Every bicyclist or in-line skater, regardless of age, should wear an approved helmet.
Helmets significantly reduce the risk of sustaining a serious head injury.
A helmet should fit squarely on top of the head in a level position and cover the top of the forehead extending down to about an inch above the eyebrows. The helmet should not be able to slide back and forth on the head or rock from side to side. A brake which is capable of making the bike tires skid on dry level pavement. A bell, horn or other device that can be heard at least a hundred feet away. Sirens and whistles are not permitted.