Chapter 9.18
BICYCLE, SKATEBOARD, ROLLER SKATES, AND SCOOTER HELMETS

Sections:

9.18.010    Definitions.

9.18.020    Helmet required.

9.18.030    Organized events – Helmet required.

9.18.040    Rental – Helmet required.

9.18.050    Helmet sales.

9.18.060    Penalties – Civil nontraffic violations.

9.18.070    Enforcement.

9.18.080    Severability.

9.18.010 Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated, unless the context clearly requires otherwise:

A. “Bicycle” means every device upon which a person or persons may ride, having two tandem wheels, either of which is 16 inches or more in diameter, or three wheels, any one of which is more than 20 inches in diameter, and which is propelled solely by human power, including any attached trailers, side cars, and/or other device towed by a bicycle.

B. “Guardian” means a parent, legal guardian, an adult with custody, or temporary guardian who maintains responsibility, whether voluntary or otherwise, for the safety and welfare of a person under the age of 18 years.

C. “Helmet” means a head covering that meets or exceeds safety standards of the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, or the Snell Foundation, or such subsequent nationally recognized standard for bicycle, skateboard, roller skate, or scooter helmet performance as the city council may adopt.

D. “Public area” means public roadways, bicycle paths, parks, or any right‑of‑way or publicly owned facility under the jurisdiction of the city of Lake Forest Park.

E. “Roller skates” means a pair of shoes or boots mounted upon two or more sets of wheels attached to the sole of the shoe or boot.

F. “Scooter” means a footboard mounted upon two or more wheels, controlled by an upright steering handle.

G. “Skateboard” means a flat or curved board mounted on casters or wheels. (Ord. 883 § 1, 2003)

9.18.020 Helmet required.

A. No person shall ride upon, operate, or be towed by a bicycle in a public area without wearing a helmet that is securely fastened by either a neck or chin strap.

B. No person shall transport or tow another person upon or by a bicycle in a public area, unless the passenger is wearing a helmet that is securely fastened by either a neck or chin strap.

C. A guardian is responsible for requiring that a child under the age of 18 years wears a helmet that is securely fastened by either a neck or chin strap while riding upon or being towed by a bicycle in a public area. (Ord. 883 § 1, 2003)

9.18.030 Organized events – Helmet required.

A. Any person managing a race, tour, or other organized event involving bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, or scooters that take place in a public area shall require each participant to wear a helmet that is securely fastened by either a neck or chin strap.

B. A person managing an event governed by subsection A of this section shall include in any promotional brochures and on registration materials information concerning the helmet requirements of this chapter. (Ord. 883 § 1, 2003)

9.18.040 Rental – Helmet required.

A. Any person engaged in the business of renting any bicycle for use in a public area shall supply the person renting or using such equipment with a helmet, unless the renter, passenger or other user possesses a helmet, and offers proof thereof.

B. The rental papers (contract, agreement, or receipt) must advise the renter of the helmet requirements of this chapter. (Ord. 883 § 1, 2003)

9.18.050 Helmet sales.

A. No person engaged in the business of retail sales in the city of Lake Forest Park shall sell a head protective device for use with a bicycle that is not a helmet.

B. It is a defense to a charge under subsection A that the sale was a casual sale of used merchandise made by an individual who was not engaged in the business of retail sales. (Ord. 883 § 1, 2003)

9.18.060 Penalties – Civil nontraffic violations.

A. Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall have committed a civil nontraffic infraction and shall be fined $25.00.

B. The court may reduce or suspend the penalty, or dismiss the notice of violation whenever the person charged has not received a notice of violation of this chapter within one year, and provides proof to the court that he or she has acquired a helmet. (Ord. 883 § 1, 2003)

9.18.070 Enforcement.

A. The city of Lake Forest Park police shall be responsible for enforcing the provisions of this chapter.

B. A law enforcement officer may order an organizer or manager of an event that is subject to the requirements of this chapter to stop the event in cases of conspicuous disregard for the requirements hereof involving multiple violations. Any person failing to comply with the order of a law enforcement officer to discontinue an event shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. (Ord. 883 § 1, 2003)

9.18.080 Severability.

If any provisions of this chapter or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this chapter or application of the provisions to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected. (Ord. 883 § 1, 2003)