
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, July 13, 1993                   TAG: 9307130208
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: FAIRFAX                                LENGTH: Short

HELMETS NOW REQUIRED FOR 14-UNDER BICYCLISTS

Bicyclists age 14 and under will be required to wear helmets according to an ordinance passed Monday by Fairfax County supervisors.

The board's 8-1 vote came after a public hearing in which parents and physicians said helmets can dramatically reduce the risk of head injuries.

The ordinance, which takes effect immediately, imposes a $25 fine on violators. The fine will be suspended for first-time offenders and for those who can prove they have purchased a helmet.

The lone dissenter, Supervisor Michael Frey, said the ordinance will be difficult to enforce.

"We're trying to send a message, which I think we can do in other ways," Frey said. "I think this is the easy way out. It gives us a false sense of security." - Associated Press

by CNB