Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs Minister Jim Rondeau has announced that the province is set to make bike helmets mandatory for cyclists younger than 18.
In the event of a crash, bicycle helmets can reduce the risk of death and serious head injury by as much as 90 per cent. Unfortunately, recent studies show that many children and youth are still not wearing helmets.
From 2005 to 2009, 374 children were hospitalized for cycling-related injuries in Manitoba. Also, during this period, 54 children were hospitalized for a cycling-related head injury.
Failure to wear a helmet would result in a modest fine directed to the childrens parents. Alternatives to the fines will also be available.
There will be some exemptions such as on religious grounds. Stay safe Winnipeg! Youth or not, you should always wear a helmet when biking.
