CONSUMER ALERT: THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION DEPARTMENT REMINDS NEW YORKERS TO WEAR BICYCLE HELMETS

In this week’s “Tuesday’s Tips,” the New York State Department of Consumer Protection Division is reminding New Yorkers of all ages about the importance of wearing a helmet when riding a bike. May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and as the weather warms and people have more opportunities for outdoor activities, New Yorkers are encouraged to prioritize safety by wearing helmets to reduce the risk of serious head injuries and save lives rescue.

“New Yorkers are always on the move. “Whether for transport or leisure, wearing a helmet is one of the most effective ways for cyclists of all ages to reduce the risk of serious injury.” said New York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “The NYS Department of Consumer Protection encourages all New Yorkers to ride bicycles safely by wearing a properly fitting helmet and buckling up.

Mark JF Schroeder, DMV Commissioner and Chairman of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, said: “Wearing a helmet is the best protection when cycling. No matter how short or long the ride, whether on one of New York’s beautiful bike paths, on the way to work or just riding around the neighborhood, always wear your helmet and protect your head from the dangers of a serious head injury. “

New York City Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said“New York State offers exceptional trails and landscapes for cycling adventures of all kinds.” I encourage New Yorkers to enjoy these adventures safely by always wearing a helmet, staying alert and riding smart.”

Ross D. Levi, vice president of Empire State Development and executive director of tourism, said: “With bike tours and events, the longest multi-use trail in the United States, and other scenic byways crisscrossing the state, New York is a great destination for those who enjoy biking on vacation. Safety is essential, so I LOVE NY encourages cyclists to experience the state by wearing helmets properly and following traffic laws so they can see for themselves how easy it is to love New York State.”

There were 7,523 bicycle accidents and 50 fatalities in New York State in 2022. In more than half of these accidents, the cyclist was not wearing a helmet. 28 of the cyclists killed were not wearing appropriate headgear.

Stay safe by choosing and wearing helmets safely:

• Pair the activity with the helmet. Different activities can have different effects on your head. Use a helmet that fits the activity so you are better protected in the event of an accident.
• Make sure it fits. Bicycle helmets should fit snugly but comfortably on the rider’s head. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also has a guide to proper bike helmet fit, helmet certifications and laws, and more.
• Buckle up! A helmet only works if it is worn correctly for the duration of an activity. Make sure your helmet has a chin strap and buckle that lie flat and stay fastened. Wear your helmet straight on your forehead, not tilted back.
• Wear helmets that comply with regulations. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) oversees standards for helmets used for many activities, including cycling. When purchasing a bicycle helmet, look for a label that says it is CPSC certified or meets CPSC safety standards. Do not attach anything to the helmet such as stickers, covers, or other attachments that were not included with the helmet when purchased. These could affect the performance of the helmet.
• Replace after an accident or injury. Once a helmet protects a person from a fall, it should no longer be used. Any damage to a helmet can affect its effectiveness. Replace it before your next trip.
• Replace your helmet if necessary. You should follow the manufacturer’s instructions when replacing your helmet. Unless instructions are provided, with proper care and storage, helmets should generally be replaced within 5-10 years of purchase. If the shell is cracked, the foam liner is worn, or other defects that may occur with regular use, you should consider replacing it.

Further details and tips from the CPSC can be found here.

Drive responsibly:

• Follow the same rules and responsibilities as drivers.
• Cyclists should ride with the flow of traffic, while pedestrians should ride against the flow of traffic.
• Ride in a safe area away from traffic on a path, park or trail.
• Check out the NYS Department of Motor Vehicle’s full list of tips on how to share the road safely, whether you’re driving, biking or walking.

Discover New York’s bike paths:

Learn more about New York State’s bike paths. New York State offers New Yorkers a wide range of cycling options and information. Learn more about our state’s extensive network of on- and off-road cycling facilities and educational resources.

• Visit the New York State Department of Transportation’s Bicycle Program website, a portal for everyone to explore the wide variety of cycling opportunities and additional information on bicycle safety.
• Read ILoveNY.com’s latest blog highlighting highlights 12 fantastic routes for cyclists of all levels.
• Explore the Empire State Trail, the country’s longest statewide multi-use trail, stretching 750 miles from Buffalo to Albany and from New York City through the Hudson and Champlain Valleys to Canada.
• Visit the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation website for information about trails in State Forests, Wildlife Management Areas, Unique Areas and Forest Preserve areas in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks.

Through the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides consumers with product safety resources and educational materials, as well as voluntary mediation services between consumers and businesses. The Consumer Assistance Hotline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays. Consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. For more consumer protection tips, follow the department on social media on Twitter: @NYSConsumer and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.rious violation.

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