RES 93-49 URGING OF ADOPTION OF BILL REQUIRING BIKE HELMETSRESOLUTION NO. 93-49
A RESOLUTION urging the State Legislature to adopt SB 5334,
a bill requiring bicycle helmets.
Background
1. The Bremerton-Kitsap County Board of Health approved Resolution 93-
13, dated May 5, 1993, requesting that all cities within Kitsap County enact ordinances
requiring the mandatory wearing of bicycle helmets.
2. Responding to this request, the City of Bainbridge Island City Council has
devoted significant time analyzing this issue.
3. The Council has determined that significant injuries are sustained in
bicycling accidents, and that the wearing of bicycle helmets substantially reduces the
number of accidents that result in hospitalization and death.
4. The transportation plans of the City of Bainbridge Island are being
developed to encourage non -automobile traffic, including the use of bicycles. The City of
Bainbridge Island is committed to making bicycle travel as safe as possible, and the wearing
of bicycle helmets will help in this regard.
5. The City of Bainbridge Island is located in the center of the Puget Sound.
Bicyclists from all communities in the State of Washington travel through our City. The
City Council is concerned that some communities have adopted mandatory bicycle helmet
ordinances (e.g., unincorporated Kitsap County, the City of Seattle). The City Council is
concerned that a bicyclist in a single trip may travel through jurisdictions which have
different bicycle helmet rules.
6. The City Council became aware that SB 5334 was introduced into the
Washington State Legislature during the 1993 Legislative Session. This bill would make
bicycle helmets mandatory throughout the entire State of Washington.
7. The City Council believes that it is better policy to have a mandatory
bicycle law applicable state-wide.
Action
Now, therefore, it is resolved:
8. The City of Bainbridge Island City Council supports in principle the
adoption of a mandatory bicycle helmet law.
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9. The City of Bainbridge Island City Council believes that a mandatory
bicycle helmet law should be passed on a state-wide basis, and therefore urges the
Washington State Legislature to adopt SB 5334.
10. The Mayor is requested to provide the Washington State Legislature, the
legislators of the 23rd Legislative District, and the Association of Washington Cities with
a copy of this Resolution.
Dated: December 2, 1993.
SAM J. G �TO, Mayor
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATE:
SAN P. KASPER City Clerk
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK: November 29, 1993
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: December 2, 1993
RESOLUTION NO. 93-49
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