-
Current through October 23, 2012
The Council of the District of Columbia finds that:
(1) Increased use of bicycles for transportation and recreation will result in improved air quality, reduced levels of noise and traffic congestion, greater energy conservation, lower transportation costs, fewer parking problems, and increased physical fitness.
(2) Bicycle fatalities and accidents can be reduced through broad-based education and facilities improvements.
(3) The promotion of bicycle transportation and safety in the District of Columbia ("District") requires the implementation of a comprehensive bicycle transportation and safety program.
(4) A bicycle office is required to coordinate the comprehensive program.
(5) Disability and death from injuries sustained in bicycling accidents are a serious threat to the health, welfare and safety of District children.
(6) Each year approximately 290 children are involved in fatal accidents, and nearly 400,000 are injured with varying degrees of severity in bicycle related injuries or crashes.
(7) Head injuries account for over 60% of bicycle related fatalities and 1/3 of bicycle related emergency room visits.
(8) Use of a bicycle helmet is the single, most effective preventive measure of reducing head injuries 85%, and brain injuries or serious disabilities by 88% from bicycle accidents.
(9) Only 15% of bicyclists use proper head protective equipment, and some studies show that bicycle helmet usage for children under 16 years of age ranges from 5% to 15%.
(Mar. 16, 1985, D.C. Law 5-179, § 2, 32 DCR 764; May 23, 2000, D.C. Law 13-112, § 2(a), 47 DCR 1985.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 40-1401.
Effect of Amendments
D.C. Law 13-112 added subsecs. (5) to (9).
Legislative History of Laws
Law 5-179, "District of Columbia Comprehensive Bicycle Transportation and Safety Act of 1984," was introduced in Council and assigned Bill No. 5-474 which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Environmental Affairs. The Bill was adopted on first and second readings on December 4, 1984, and December 18, 1984, respectively. Signed by the Mayor on January 11, 1985, it was assigned Act No. 5-244 and transmitted to both Houses of Congress for its review.
Law 13-112, the "Child Helmet Safety Amendment Act of 2000," was introduced in Council and assigned Bill No. 13-163, which was referred to the Committee on Public Works and the Environment. The Bill was adopted on first and second readings on January 4, 2000, and February 1, 2000, respectively. Signed by the Mayor on February 18, 2000, it was assigned Act No. 13-265 and transmitted to both Houses of Congress for its review. D.C. Law 13-112 became effective on May 23, 2000.
