Wearing a Helmet in California?

Question

I live in Southern California, and i want to know if the law requires that you wear a helmet or not because it is really hot right now and its unbearable? If there is no bike lane can i still go on the street or can i go on the sidewalk?

Answer 1

In California the law requires that minors(under age 18)wear a helmet while riding. A person over the age of 18 has a choice...but if I were you, I wouldn't risk busting my head open just to keep my head cool. It's better to sweat a little than have your cranium split open!

Answer 2

In San Francisco, everyone of any age is required to wear a bicycle helmet when feet are off the ground on a bicycle. There is also talk of a future helmet requirement for use of medicinal cannabis.

Answer 3

i think the law is that you must wear a helmet if you are under 18. if you're over 18 then its your choice if you want your brains splattered over the streets or not if hit by a car. but cops rarely will ticket you for not wearing one... and go on the street, where a bike lane where usually would be, that's where you go.

Answer 4

You are required by law to wear a helmet ONLY IF YOU ARE UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE.  Otherwise going on your bike without a helmet is at your discretion.  I have seen a lot of people that go cycling without helmets.  The wind can sometimes be refreshing without a helmet.  Those helmets can get restrictive.  

All bike races will require you to wear a helmet because they might be liable if you fall and break your skull.  And besides, seeing someone being taken away in an ambulance would not have a lot of people coming back to the event the next year.