In rare move, Ashwaubenon requires helmets for youth

ASHWAUBENON, Wis (CIVIC MEDIA) – Cities and towns are free to write their own rules requiring bike helmets.

That’s what the Village of Ashwaubenon has done, amid a complete rewrite of its ordinance governing rules for things that roll. The village now requires helmets for anyone under the age of 16 riding a bicycle, e-bike or electric scooter. 

That requirement is rare in Wisconsin. Village Manager Joel Gregozeski explained the new ordinance at a meeting in late July.

“So that’s a somewhat novel concept,” Gregozeski said. “There’s only one municipality within Wisconsin… it models their code, and we feel confident that it would be upheld.”

That other municipality? Port Washington, which also requires all bicycle riders under the age of 16 to wear a helmet. If you’re at a skatepark, the rule extends to unicycles, skateboard, scooter, or skates, too. 

In Port Washington, the fine is no more than $25 for parents and guardians. The Village of Ashwaubenon has gone further, issuing a $50 fine to violators – five times more than what it was before the rewrite. They say it’s to get the attention of parents.

The new rule passed unanimously several weeks ago, and was recently publicized through a press release. At the meeting, village members also expressed their desire for a broader media push to facilitate education about safety, as scooters and e-bikes proliferate.

The rule comes as part of a broader overhaul of the village’s laws on electric bicycles and scooters. 

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