In Alberta, it is the law that bicyclists and passengers under the age of 18 must wear an approved bicycle helmet when cycling. Parents may be fined if a child under the age of 16 rides without an approved bike helmet. Young adults aged 16 and 17 who ride without an approved bike helmet could be fined.

How does the initiative work?
During the summer months police will be offering education and awareness to youth and their parents through a new initiative. Cyclists who are not wearing their helmets will be issued with a traffic violation notice for failure to wear a safety helmet under the Provincial Regulation, the Vehicle Equipment Regulation ($69.00). The officer will also provide a letter which explains the Option #4 Initiative. Option #4 offers the violator an opportunity to have their ticket withdrawn by way of participation in an Education Session on Bike Helmet Safety.

How does one go about participating in the Education Session?

• Phone the St. Albert Royal Canadian Mounted Police Station at 458-4300 extension 4500 to pre-register with the RCMP at least two weeks before the scheduled Education Session.
• Provide your name, phone number, ticket number and the date of the Education Session you will be attending.
• If you are 15 years or under you are required to attend the Education Session with a parent or guardian. (Parents will be advised when their child is issued with a violation notice as well as provided with information on the Education Session)

What is Section 97 and 98 of the Vehicle Equipment Regulation?
Section 97 of the Vehicle Equipment Regulation (VER) deals with bicycle helmets and reads as follows:
Section 97 (1) No person who is less than 18 years old shall operate or ride as a passenger on a bicycle unless that person is properly wearing a safety helmet.
Section 97 (2) A parent or guardian of a person who is less that 18 years old shall not authorize or knowingly permit the person to operate or ride as a passenger on a bicycle unless that person is properly wearing a safety helmet.
Section 97 (3) No person shall operate a bicycle on which a passenger who is less than 18 years old is riding unless the passenger is properly wearing a safety helmet.
Section 98 of the Vehicle Equipment Regulations states “for the purposes of section 97, a safety helmet intended for the use of an operator or a passenger of a bicycle or worn by an operator or a passenger of a bicycle must meet the standards adopted under subsection (2) in effect on the date on which it was manufactured.” A safety helmet must have the mark of one of the organizations referred to in subsection (2) or the manufacturer, indicating that the helmet met one or more of the specifications required on its date of manufacture.

For example, the Canadian Standards Association (CAN/CSA), or the Consumer Product Safety commission, Snell Memorial Foundation, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). A comprehensive list can be found in the Vehicle Equipment Regulations section 98 (2). The helmet will display the sticker demonstrating the helmet is an approved safety helmet.

How do I know if my helmet is constructed as per the Canadian Standards?
The VER states:

• The safety helmet must have a hard, smooth outer shell and is capable of absorbing energy on impact
• The safety helmet must be designed and equipped so that it is securely attached to a strap that is to be fastened around the chin of the person wearing the safety helmet.
• A safety helmet must be free of damage or modification that would reduce its effectiveness.

Safe Helmet Tips

• Buy a helmet that fits. Helmets come in all shapes and sizes because heads come in all shapes and sizes! It’s important that it is comfortable. (An approved helmet can cost as little as $12.00).
• There’s a right and a wrong way to wear a helmet, too far back or too far forward will not afford the protection the helmet was designed to offer.
• If a helmet has been impacted or cracked, even if you can’t see the damage, replace it.
• Straps must be adjusted and fastened properly.
• The helmet must be an approved helmet
• Parents, be a role model, wear a helmet yourself!

(In St. Albert, effective July 1st, under the Municipal Bylaws, all cyclists must wear an approved helmet when riding a bicycle in St. Albert)

Helmet Fitting Guidelines:

• Place the helmet on the head and make sure it is level from front to back. The helmet must sit 1-2 finger widths above the eyebrows (approx 3 cm)
• Make sure the helmet fits snugly by adding or removing sizing pads if necessary. The helmet should not move when you shake or nod your head.
• Adjust the straps to form a “V” just below and in front of the earlobes, then do up the chin strap.
• Adjust the chin strap so that you can only fit the width of one finger in between the chin and the chin strap.
• Make sure that the helmet can only be removed by undoing the chin strap.