Look out! We just received an update from a reporter at the Dallas Morning News that starting next week, the helmet law will be enforced again.
They’re doing a story on it now that should be out soon.
Look out! We just received an update from a reporter at the Dallas Morning News that starting next week, the helmet law will be enforced again.
They’re doing a story on it now that should be out soon.
Bike Friendly Oak Cliff 
Next up in the news, City Hall diagnosed with schizophrenia. New bicycle helmet law to required helmets based on phases of the moon and whether or not a council is availble for a photo op.
So, the million dollar question – was the renewed enforcement provoked by the BFOC post on the nonenforcement? The display of BFOC power & influence is awesome!
Whatever else one might have to say about BFOC, its posts are timely!
So, the stated city statute/law on helmets can be found here: http://ericfeitel.com/dallashelmetlaw
Pay special attention to Article II. Bicycle Helmets Section 9-10. Penalty. Where it is clearly stated that:
An offense under this article is punishable by a fine not to exceed:
(1) $10 for the first offense;
(2) $25 for the second offense; and
(3) $50 for the third and each subsequent offense. (Ord. 22764, eff. 9/1/96)
There is another section of the law which states (I’m paraphrasing) that for the first offense a defensible argument is to appear in court with a helmet. Which means that going to court and holding up your new helmet and saying “look I know better now” will result in a dismissal of your ticket. Specific wording of the law can be found here:
http://ericfeitel.com/dallashelmetlaw#first_offense
So, my thinking runs along these lines:
Know your rights, set a court date, defend your ticket.
By taking this course of action we can effectively spend-away the city’s resources devoted to enforcing this silly law. Make it too expensive and too much of a pain-in-the-ass for the city to continue with these strong-arm tactics.
For the record, I’m not against wearing a helmet on a bike. I am completely against being forced to do so in a state where motorcycle riders don’t have to wear helmets. This law is nothing more than a way for the city to profile and then “shake down” cyclists.
I was ticketed for not wearing a helmet and fined $75.00!!! My court date is November 4th. I’d rather go to jail than pay this fine.