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Gahanna adopts helmet ordinance for minors amid public support and clarification on exemptions
Summary
Council amended and adopted Ordinance 0028 adding helmet requirements for minors and made clarifying edits to the substitute exhibit; a public commenter who teaches Amish community classes supported the law and raised questions about religious exemptions and distribution programs.
Gahanna City Council amended and then adopted Ordinance 0028‑20‑26, which adds a new section to the city traffic code regarding helmets for bicycles and similar devices for minors. Council voted to approve Substitute Exhibit A before passage and thanked residents who provided input during committee and the public hearing.
Patricia Kovacs, who identified herself and said she has worked teaching safety classes to community groups, expressed support: "I just want to speak publicly on my support of the proposed helmet law for minors in Gahanna." She noted questions about a religious‑based head‑covering exemption and said city staff (Tamela Larson) explained that the exemption relates to First Amendment considerations; she also suggested the city distribute low‑cost helmets ("we can get these for $11 each if we buy them in bulk") and raised concern about electric scooter rules in business districts.
Councilmember Padova publicly thanked Kovacs for participating and the administration for bringing the item forward. The ordinance passed on roll‑call vote after the amendment and was adopted as amended.
