Police are reminding young cyclists to wear properly fitted helmets.
The reminder comes after Lethbridge Police officers reportedly saw a number of children riding without helmets.
Under Alberta law, anyone under 18 must wear an approved bicycle helmet when riding a bike. The requirement also applies to children riding as passengers or being pulled in a bicycle trailer.
Police said wearing a helmet is not only a legal requirement for young cyclists but an important safety measure that can reduce the risk of serious head and brain injuries in a collision or fall.
Parents and guardians can be ticketed if they allow a child under 18 to ride without a required helmet.
Families should choose a helmet that meets an approved safety standard and make sure it fits properly. A helmet should sit level on the head, with the straps meeting below the ears and the chin strap secured comfortably.
Parents should check the helmet’s fit as a child grows and replace it after a crash or when the manufacturer recommends.
Although Alberta law requires cyclists under 18 to wear a helmet, adults are also encouraged to wear one.
Police are urging families to make helmet use part of every cycling trip.
