This letter is in reference to the article entitled, police watch for bike helmet use, (The News, April 17).
Since my wife and I arrived in this area in 1999, we have often commented on the number of bicycle riders not wearing helmets. This is not limited to children but many adults as well.
My understanding is that it is unlawful not to wear a helmet when bike riding on a public highway.
So it was with some amazement when I read RCMP Corporal Jesse Foreman’s comments that “normally tickets are given out when the infraction is found in combination with other things that would warrant police attention,” and “We see quite a few riding without helmets and it’s disturbing.”
Is it not against the law to ride a bicycle on a public highway not wearing a helmet? If it is against the law, would it not promote safety to enforce this law? If it is against the law, why is the law not enforced whenever possible and not just when associated with something else?
How many bike helmet infraction tickets in Parksville/Qualicum were actually issued in the past 36 months?
If adults are allowed to ride around without helmets surely this influences our children to do the same?
The wearing of motorcycle helmets and the wearing of seat belts, both personal safety items, are certainly enforced by the RCMP, why not bike helmets?
Peers Pendlebury
Qualicum Beach