Chapter 157

2007 -- H 5664 SUBSTITUTE A

Enacted 06/30/07

A N A C T

RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES

Introduced By: Representative Joseph M. McNamara

Date Introduced: February 28, 2007

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Sections 31-19-2.1 and 31-19-4 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-19

entitled "Operation of Bicycles" are hereby amended to read as follows:

31-19-2.1. Helmets required on bicycle operators, bicycle passengers, skateboarders,

rollerskaters, inline skaters, and scooter riders ages fifteen (15) and younger. -- Any person

fifteen (15) years of age or younger who is operating or who is a passenger on a bicycle or who is

using or operating a skateboard, rollerskates, scooter or inline skates on a public highway, bicycle

trail or path, shared use path, park and/or recreational area, school property or on any other public

right of way shall wear a helmet. The helmet shall fit the person's head and shall be secured to the

person's head by straps while the person is operating the bicycle, skateboard, scooter, rollerskates

or inline skates. The helmet shall meet the standards for helmets established by the Snell

Memorial Foundation's nineteen hundred and eight-four (1984) standard for use in bicycling or

subsequent standards; standards established by the American Society for Testing and Materials

(ASTM) or subsequent standards; or standards established by the United States Consumer

Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or subsequent standards. In no event shall failure to wear a

helmet be considered as contributory or comparative negligence, nor shall the failure to wear a

helmet be admissible as evidence in the trial of any civil action.

31-19-4. Excessive number of persons on bicycle. -- No bicycle shall be used to carry

more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed or equipped, except that a rider

may carry a child securely attached to his or her person in a back pack or sling. when transporting

a child six (6) years of age or younger in a rear-mounted bicycle carrier and/or trailer that meets

mandatory and various industry standard specifications as developed by the American Society for

Testing and Materials (ASTM).

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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LC01693/SUB A

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