Which policy is most likely to be the most effective in reducing fatal and serious injury crashes involving children on bicycles?

• A. Increasing traffic fines for speeding
• B. Requiring helmet use for all children under 12
• C. Building a new bike lane
• D. Installing public education signage

Answer: (B)

Protecting the head during bicycle crashes has the biggest impact on preventing fatal and serious injuries for children. A helmet acts as a crucial physical shield, significantly reducing the risk of head injuries when a fall or collision occurs. Research consistently shows a substantial decline in head injuries among helmet wearers, and mandating helmets for all children under 12 targets the age group most at risk while establishing a safety habit early in life.

Other measures contribute to safety, but they don’t provide the same direct, immediate protection the helmet offers. Increasing fines for speeding may lower speeds but doesn’t ensure head protection for child riders; building a new bike lane helps by reducing crash exposure over time but involves longer implementation and broader factors; installing signage improves awareness but doesn’t directly reduce injury severity in the moment.