King County Board of Health repeals helmet law

KING COUNTY, Wash. — Although the King County Board of Health emphasizes the importance of helmet use while on a bike or scooter, board members voted to repeal the helmet law in an 11-2 vote Thursday.

The board said research showed there was racist and discriminatory enforcement of the law that occurred.

“Everyone should wear a helmet while riding. But enforcement of the helmet law has harmed BIPOC riders and riders experiencing homelessness who are bearing the brunt of disproportionate enforcement, citations, and fees,” said Board Chair Joe McDermott.

The board said it started examining the issue after media reports in 2020 “indicated that a disproportionate number of citations were being issued to people of color and people experiencing homelessness.”

According to a release from the board, research determined that Black cyclists were nearly four times as likely to be issued a citation for not wearing a helmet. And since 2019, 60% of citations were issued to homeless people.

“Our priority as a Board is to promote health and safety for everyone — and that includes promoting the importance of wearing helmets as a proven public health intervention,” said Seattle City Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda.

The board said it plans to ensure helmets are made available for all county riders and has allocated $221,000 to distribute helmets to people, especially those without housing and those who have been affected by “inequities and discrimination.”

The county’s bicycle helmet law was first passed in 1993.

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