Yellowknife, NWT – If you’re under the age of 18 and are used to riding a bike in Yellowknife without a helmet, that might soon be against the law.
City Councillors are to vote next Monday on a mandatory helmet by-law that could also cover rollerblades and skateboarders.
Councillors debated the by-law at City Hall on Tuesday.
Niels Konge was the only councillor to speak against it.
“I think that with a helmet by-law, we’re going to see that 14, 15 and 16 year-olds are not going to want to wear helmets and if they have to, they’re not going to bike and I think that is more detrimental than having to wear helmets. At this time, I will not support this going forward.”
The by-law states that any youth caught without a helmet on a wheeled apparatus, including scooters, could face a $25 fine.
Parents or guardians of children under 16 would be responsible for paying the fine.
If approved, the by-law would take effect on Canada Day, Jul. 1.
There would apparently be a six month grace period.
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