Summary

In advance of Thursday’s Board of Public Health review of policy options to address inequitable enforcement of King County bicycle helmet regulations, King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci released a statement.

Story

Almost a year ago, news coverage from Crosscut and Real Change put a spotlight on the inequitable enforcement of bicycle helmet laws in Seattle and across King County. Data showed that people of color were far more likely to be cited for violations than white riders, and people experiencing homelessness reported that interactions with police often came because of helmet requirements. This led the King County Board of Health to add a review of these regulations to its 2021 work plan.

In advance of Thursday’s Board of Public Health review of policy options to address inequitable enforcement of King County bicycle helmet regulations, King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci released the following statement:

“When we adopt criminally enforceable laws and either don’t intend to or fail to consistently enforce them, the result is predictably disproportionate enforcement, very commonly based on race. Sadly, the data shows King County’s helmet law is not only enforced disproportionately against people of color, enforcement also more often targets people living in homelessness.

“A few years ago, I asked that a review of our helmet regulations be brought up and studied at the Board of Health, which would have been consistent with our approach to criminalization, bias and public health issues. I’m thankful for the community advocates who did not give up and persevered in their fight to highlight the ongoing problem and the lasting consequences for some of our most vulnerable residents in King County. I’m grateful for Councilmember Kohl-Welles’ amendment to include this policy review in the 2021 Board of Health work plan, and for Board Chair McDermott’s leadership and work to take up the review today.

“As a regular bike rider who has hit my own head on the ground after a fall, I am very thankful for the protection of a helmet, and wear one at all times while biking. I support the Board’s efforts to maximize helmet wearing and bicycle safety while not unnecessarily criminalizing normal human behavior, nor providing an excuse to stop people who are singled out in hopes of finding other violations.”

Following today’s policy review, the Board could take action at its October meeting.