Cycling comes with a fair share of advantages and undeniable health benefits. However, recent statistics of bicycle accidents in Arizona also prove that riding a bike can be quite dangerous, especially if you don’t put enough thought into your safety.
It is not enough to follow existing traffic laws in such large cities as Phoenix to avoid serious incidents. You must consider investing in quality safety equipment to protect yourself from physical and legal harm. With all that being said, today we’ll dive deep into Arizona bicycle helmet laws so that you can ride smart and safe!
Key Takeaways
- Some large cities and counties in Arizona have local laws that regulate helmet use in the area.
- Less than 2% of school-age bicycle riders in Arizona wear bicycle helmets.
- Bicycle helmets must meet approved safety standards to ensure promised protection.
- Riding without a helmet may lead to fines and traffic citations in certain jurisdictions.
- Adult bicycle riders are strongly advised to wear helmets, even if laws do not mandate it.
Helmet Use Statistics in America
Countless studies and surveys stress how important it is to wear helmets while cycling, yet only 21 states in the US have mandatory bicycle laws in place, and Arizona isn’t one of them. Primarily, these regulations concern minors and teenagers.
In 2022, bike riders without helmets made up over 60% of all cyclist fatalities across the country. At the same time, research proves that helmet use can reduce the chance of a fatal outcome by at least 30%.
Some argue that when the law requires cyclists to wear helmets, it discourages people from riding. However, it proves to be effective, especially when it comes to children. 51% of young riders in the states with helmet legislation in place wear helmets when biking for safety reasons. Fewer than 2% of elementary school bicyclists and 10% of college students in Arizona wear bicycle helmets.
What Are the Main Bicycle Helmet Laws in Arizona?
In some states of America, bicycle helmets are mandatory, but in others, they are not. The current Arizona bike rules do not require riders to wear helmets. Although there is no universal helmet use requirement applicable statewide, the government allows local municipalities to decide on precise safety regulations in the area.
Arizona State Law Does Not Require Bicycle Helmets
Technically speaking, you are not legally obliged to wear a helmet while cycling in Arizona. While that may seem like a good thing since you won’t get a traffic citation for not having a helmet on in the state, your well-being is at stake here.
Rural parts of Arizona seem quite safe for bicyclists, and the scenic landscapes are certainly worth exploring. Still, in large cities like Phoenix and densely populated areas like Pima County, all the traffic, tourists, and other obstacles pose a threat to cyclists, and a protective helmet can turn out to be a literal lifesaver should anything happen.
Where Are Bike Helmets Mandatory in AZ?
We’ve mentioned that Arizona state delegated it to local authorities to decide on how they want to handle helmet use in the area. That is why such cities as Tucson, Yuma, and Sierra Vista, along with the rest of the Pima County local governments, agreed on making it mandatory for bicycle riders under 18 years of age to wear helmets.
If a parent or legal guardian fails to instruct the child under 18 years of age to wear a helmet while cycling or chooses to transport such a child on a bike without a helmet, they can be fined. Across Pima County, the penalty shouldn’t exceed $50, but in Tucson, failure to wear protective headgear will lead to a fine that varies between $116 and $127.
Main Reasons Why Bicycle Helmets Are a Must in Arizona
Even though there are no statewide Arizona bicycle helmet laws that would enforce bike helmets on riders, there are many reasons why you must consider wearing one. For example:
- Prevention of serious injuries: Most importantly, it will help prevent serious brain injuries in case you have a crash or fall off your bicycle, safeguarding your health and helping you save on medical bills
- Heat protection: The sunny roads of Arizona may have a few disadvantages, and scorching sun is on the list. A helmet will protect your head from the heat.
- Compliance with local legislation: The inconsistency of Arizona bicycle helmet laws means that while one jurisdiction discards helmet use, another may issue a penalty for not wearing one.
- Insufficient visibility: If you like driving during the darker hours of the day, a helmet equipped with reflective parts and headlights will help you see where you are riding and make you more visible on the road.
How Do You Choose Suitable Bicycle Helmets?
Suppose you decide to invest in a quality head protection, even though local Arizona bicycle helmet laws do not mandate one. In that case, you may want to pay attention to the following criteria:
- Pick certified products: Quality bike helmets should meet the general Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) safety standards. Uncertified bicycle helmets may not provide the protection you need.
- Don’t compromise comfort: It is vital to choose a helmet that fits you ideally. It shouldn’t be too tight or too loose. It must sit snugly on your head.
- Consider ventilation: Since it is Arizona we are talking about, proper ventilation is key. You can find bike helmets designed for extended use in the heat. They are equipped with special vents that let the air in and out, ensuring proper circulation.
- Match helmet type with your riding style: Not all helmets are the same. Mountain helmets differ from regular road ones in terms of weight, durability, and design. If you plan long cycling trips, you may want to get a lightweight model that has additional features such as lights and reflectors.
What Are the Risks of Not Wearing Bicycle Helmets?
Some of you may assume that since Arizona bicycle helmet laws aren’t strict, you can treat the matter lightly. However, there are countless risks that a quality bike helmet can shield you against. For instance:
- Head trauma: No matter how obvious, head injuries are a frequent consequence of a bicycle accident when the rider chooses not to wear protective headgear. In fact, bike helmets are proven to decrease the chance of sustaining brain injuries by 48%.
- Bicyclist fatalities: The research proves that cyclists not wearing bicycle helmets are three times more likely to sustain fatal injuries in a bicycle accident.
- Long-term cognitive impact: Serious concussions and TBIs can have a lasting cognitive effect that leads to temporary memory loss, concentration issues, and learning abilities.
- Legal consequences: Even though general Arizona bicycle helmet laws do not enforce the use of protective gear, some local jurisdictions do. This means that not wearing a helmet at the time of an accident can affect the final bicycle settlement in Arizona.
- Insurance hassle: Suppose you’ve used an online bicycle accident settlement calculator to estimate your damages and losses after a crash in Arizona. While you may be expecting to recover a certain amount as compensation, an insurance company can play the “safety gear” card and use it against you as a contributing factor that will reduce your settlement.
Get the Legal Help You Deserve Without Upfront Fees!
Bicycle laws across the USA, especially in Arizona, are intricate and overwhelming. However, you can deal with any legal challenges thrown your way with a reliable backup at hand. Our Phoenix bicycle accident law firm has dealt with many cases that others deemed unwinnable. And you know what the secret is? Relentlessness, persistence, dedication, and passion for the just cause!
Call us for a free consultation today and focus solely on your recovery after a bicycle accident as our experienced lawyers start to build a case wired for success. And you won’t have to worry about financial strain — we don’t charge upfront fees!
If you’re a cyclist who has been in an accident, call today for a free initial consult about your legal claim. We’re here to help with your legal questions. Contact our law firm for coast-to-coast bike accident and personal injury representation.
Get answers to commonly asked questions about our legal services and learn how we may assist you with your case.
Do I Have to Wear a Helmet in Arizona?
There are no statewide Arizona bicycle helmet laws that make it mandatory to wear a helmet while riding a bike in the state. However, local laws in some cities and counties do require you to wear headgear. Besides, a protective helmet can protect you from life-altering injuries.
Does a Bike Helmet Actually Work?
Yes, it works. Countless studies prove that helmets can reduce the risk of sustaining serious head injuries in bicycle riders. However, it’s important to choose certified and well-fitted helmets for optimal protection.
Can I Still Get Compensation If I Wasn’t Wearing a Helmet?
Yes. According to Arizona Revised Statutes, the state follows the pure comparative negligence system, which makes it possible to recover compensation even if you are partially at fault. The insurer may argue that the absence of a helmet is a contributory factor to the damages you want to recover. While you won’t be denied the settlement, it may be reduced based on the amount of contribution assigned to you.
Since his academic days at the UC Berkeley School of Law, Robert Goldwater has remained a committed advocate for victims of other people’s negligence. His tort law background, together with his unquenchable thirst for justice, helped young Robert found a now-successful law firm – Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group, gathering same-minded and promising attorneys from all over the country.
