Ashwaubenon passes ordinance requiring youths to wear helmets when riding bikes and scooters

ASHWAUBENON, Wis (CIVIC MEDIA) – In Wisconsin, you don’t have to wear a bike helmet. Though it’s a good idea, state law doesn’t require it. Cities and towns can write their own rules, however. 

That’s what the village of Ashwaubenon has done amid a complete rewrite of its 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 recent meeting.

 “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 mentioned by the village manager? 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 parents’ attention.

One Village Board member commented on the original fine. 

“$10? That’s pit chunk change.” 

The new rule passed unanimously several weeks ago. This helmet rule comes as part of a broader overhaul of the village’s laws on electric bicycles and scooters.  The Village Board says they welcome calls from the community and hope to start a wider conversation about safety as scooters and e-bikes proliferate. Additional information on the new ordinance can be found here.