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Bicycle advocates warn helmet language in omnibus bill could drive enforcement disparities
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Summary
The Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota supported SF 3988's safety aims but told the committee helmet requirements risk pretextual stops, disparate enforcement by location and race, and lack funding to provide helmets to low‑income youth.
Michael Wojcick, executive director of the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, told the Senate Transportation Committee that while his organization supports measures that make Minnesotans safer and healthier, the bill’s helmet language raises equity and enforcement concerns.
"We do support helmet youth usage through education access, not through mandates," Wojcick said, and added the legislation as drafted could allow "pretextual law enforcement stops on the basis of perceived age and helmet usage." He urged the committee to favor education and access over mandates and to ensure any helmet provisions apply equitably to ebikes and traditional bicycles.
Wojcick also noted the bill lacks funding to provide helmets to families who cannot afford them, citing a recent purchase of a youth helmet for $120 as an example of a cost barrier for some households. He recommended the committee consider equity safeguards, proper‑fit standards and resources to provide helmets where needed rather than creating criminal or enforcement mechanisms that may have disproportionate effects by neighborhood and race.
The committee did not adopt a targeted amendment to remove helmet language during the hearing; staff and members discussed related language in the A21 package that places a motorized bicycle safety coordinator in DPS. Advocates said they remain ready to work with lawmakers on equitable approaches.
