THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, July 17, 1995 TAG: 9507140031
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A8 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 37 lines
Regarding ``Ordinance harms bicyclists'' (letter, July 4), objecting to the recently passed law in Virginia Beach which requires bicyclists under age 14 to wear helmets: The lack of knowledge of cycling safety practices displayed in the letter was appalling.
The only flaws in the Virginia Beach law are that it is not a state law and that it has an age limit. No one should ever ride a bicycle without wearing a helmet.
I am an avid cyclist who is also chairman of the organizing committee for a local charity bike tour. This tour has been fortunate to have had more than 500 participants each of the past several years. There is one tour rule which is cast in stone: ``No helmet, no ride, no exceptions.'' We will turn away donations if the rider bringing them refuses to wear a helmet.
Both the Tidewater Bicycling Association and the Peninsula Bicycling Association require helmets to be worn in all of their organized rides.
Many people believe bicycle helmets are heavy, hot and generally uncomfortable.
Modern helmets are lightweight, well-ventilated, cool and comfortable.
Parents should purchase helmets for themselves and their children, and wear them.
Citizens should also share the road, obey the traffic code as if they were in a motor vehicle and use lights if they ride at night. We should lead by example.
G. D. GARTRELL
Norfolk, July 4, 1995 by CNB