ClickCease New York Bicycle Helmet Laws: Explained

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Bicycle Helmet Laws in New York

Seth Harris

Last modified on April 1, 2024

Bicycle Helmet Laws in New York

Wearing a helmet is always smart when riding a bicycle in New York. However, you may have questions about what the law says, like, “Does New York have a helmet law?”  “Is it illegal to ride a bike without a helmet in New York?” and “Do adults have to wear bike helmets in New York?”

There are some scenarios in New York where riding a bicycle without a helmet is legal. However, doing so may be unwise. Along with protecting yourself, wearing a bicycle might improve your chances of receiving compensation if you’re ever injured in a bicycle wreck.

New York Bicycle Helmet Laws: The Basics

The following points summarize New York’s bicycle helmet law:

  • No one under 14 may operate a bicycle without wearing a helmet that conforms to New York’s bicycle helmet safety standards.
  • If a bicycle passenger is five years of age or older but younger than 14, they must wear a bicycle helmet. If a passenger is younger than five but older than one year of age, they must wear a helmet and sit in a separate seat that protects a passenger from a bicycle’s moving parts. The law prohibits riding with a passenger under the age of one in any capacity.
  • Anyone operating a Class-3 electric bicycle must wear a helmet regardless of age.

In New York, a Class-3 electric bicycle is an e-bike with the following qualities:

  • The bicycle is in operation in a city with a population of one million or more.
  • The bicycle has an electric motor that can be the only method of propulsion.
  • The electric motor can provide assistance up to the point that the vehicle reaches a speed of twenty-five miles per hour but no faster.

NY Counties Can Set Their Own Bicycle Helmet Laws

Individual counties in New York may establish and enforce bicycle helmet laws that differ from state law. For example, all bicyclists in Rockland County must wear helmets when riding bicycles. Regardless of age, the law always applies when a bicyclist is on county roads or land.

Impact of Helmet Use on Injury Claims

Obeying the rules of the road can boost your safety on a bicycle. Unfortunately, it’s still possible to get hurt in a bicycle wreck someone else causes.

You may be eligible for compensation in these circumstances. For example, perhaps you sustained injuries when a motorist struck you because they weren’t paying enough attention to the road to spot you. You could file a claim with their auto insurance carrier. Filing an insurance claim is a way to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and similar losses that might result from a bicycle crash.

Various factors can influence how much compensation you may be eligible to receive in these circumstances. Whether you were wearing a bicycle helmet at the time of the crash may be one such factor.

Bicycle Accident Claims and Helmet Regulations: How Not Wearing a Helmet Affects Your Case

Bicycle Helmet Laws in New YorkLike many states, New York has a contributory negligence law. The law states that the amount of money someone is eligible to receive in a personal injury case may depend on whether their own actions or carelessness played a role in their injuries.

To return to the example from the previous section, maybe you weren’t wearing a helmet when the wreck occurred. An insurance company might argue that your injuries would have been less severe had you taken steps to protect yourself. Perhaps they determine you are 30 percent responsible for your injuries because you were not wearing a helmet.

Maybe you would have been eligible to receive $10,000 if the motorist who caused the wreck was solely responsible. Because you’re 30 percent responsible, the most you could receive in compensation would be $7,000.

The extent to which not wearing a helmet impacts your case can depend on several factors. For example, the choice to not wear a helmet will typically have a greater impact if you decide not to wear a helmet in a situation when the law requires you to.

Contact a New York Bicycle Accident Attorney

Is it illegal to ride a bike without a helmet in NY, New York? Hiring a lawyer to represent you when seeking compensation after a bicycle wreck is advisable for many reasons. In general, a lawyer can assist with the many tasks the claims process involves, such as gathering evidence, documenting losses, and negotiating with insurance adjusters. A New York bicycle accident attorney from [firm-name] can also advise you about the way helmet laws may affect your case. Learn more by contacting us online and calling our team at [phone-number linked=true] today for a free case review.

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$1,350,000

A Bronx jury awarded plaintiff Juanita Young $1,350,000 for injuries caused by the use of excessive force during an arrest. During the arrest, Ms. Young, who is legally blind, was handcuffed from behind, with her children watching, and taken to the top of the stairs to exit the building. The officer proceeded to push her down the stairs multiple times.

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$17,500,000

A Brooklyn jury awarded Mr. Vargas $17.5 million for the City of New York’s violation of his civil rights for failing to provide him medical care while in custody. The jury found that the police officers involved failed to provide the necessary medical treatment and awarded $17.5 million to Mr. Vargas.

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$4,730,398

Harris Keenan & Goldfarb partners Seth Harris and Sheri Holland obtained a $4,730,398.00 jury verdict on behalf of our client who tripped and fell at a private apartment building in the Bronx, suffering a broken foot that developed a very painful, permanent neurological condition called Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (“RSD”).

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$12,561,772

A Bronx jury awarded John Doe over $12 million for an accident on a construction site. John Doe was working when a piece of scaffold weighing 35 pounds fell, striking John Doe in the lower back. John Doe suffered a herniated disc requiring surgical removal of a portion of the disc and permanent nerve damage.

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They want me to help them. they want me to goto office on Saturday they not open . And not give me their phone number . They not do the job good . I google them to call ask why go they not open. No one know why .
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2 months ago
Glori M
2 months ago
It was a pleasure having Blake represent me in my case. He worked very hard and I am soo pleased with my outcome. He was amazing through everything from start to finish.The staff especially the paralegal Christine were also amazing, friendly and kind. I would recommend Harris, Keenan and Goldfarb to anyone who is looking for an attorney
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3 months ago
This firm is great worked with Blake Gabby and Thierry everything went well they're awesome
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3 months ago
Wonderful experience! I must say Blake & Jennifer made me feel very comfortable with the entire process and made it there mission to be as helpful as possible. WILL DEFINITELY RECOMMEND
Taki Caver
3 months ago
I couldn’t be more grateful for the amazing team at Harris, Keenan and Goldfarb. From the very start to the finish, Seth Harris, Sheri Holland, Toni Mega, and Blake Goldfarb never stopped fighting for me, ensuring that I was always kept in the loop and fully informed at every step. They were not only professional but also incredibly personable, making me feel heard and supported throughout the entire process. Their hard work and dedication were evident, and I truly believe they got me the best possible outcome. If you're looking for a firm that cares and works tirelessly for you, I highly recommend Harris, Keenan, & Goldfarb!
Donna Lewis
4 months ago
MARLY GEE
4 months ago
I would like thank this firm for all the time effort they have put in to help resolve my legal matter. Thank you so much.‼️
Jamel Joseph
4 months ago
Nita
4 months ago
It hurts me to say this but your results will vary on your precieve worth as a human being , call backs and other help is truly available to certain groups of people, they will take your case and do absolutely nothing with it for years if your in this unfortunate group, they will speak to you in such a manner as to make you feel as if your serving them not the other way arouNd, it’s very sad I suffer with depression and this issue has taken me down a dark road they make me feel worthless every time I speak to them, is it so hard to be kind to people who come to you for help, saying things that make me feel less important as a human being is not right especially when you are a professional doing a job, I’m not rude or insulting yet it’s always the same energy when I call this place so they win I’m not calling for anymore update or advice or help anymore it’s not available to me , I don’t have enough worth to them to be shown any concern or interest , these reviews are from burns and Harris clients/ they changed the name and kept the reviews this is no longer burns and Harris and it definitely shows
Wow wow wow. Having seen at least 100 commercials with Seth Harris appearing alone, I was very impressed with his confidence. So when i needed the services of an attorney no one came to mind but Seth Harris. My case was handled in an expeditious manner and my settlement was life changing. I recommend 100%.
Marie L. Theodore
5 months ago
It was a great experience I had with HKG.I had ask for answers to my problem and I had it answered happily.
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6 months ago
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6 months ago
I give these lawyer's excellent and the staff they been my lawyer's for years and I advise if anyone needs a lawyer this is the best place to go to I've been with them for many years ty so much 💓 for my settlement MR HARRIS AND HIS STAFF AND HIS PARTNERS THIS IS NUMBER ONE LAW FIRM ❤️
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6 months ago
Jason Estrada
6 months ago
Thank you Jennifer for the best treatment that you gave me as a professional and I will recommend the lawyers to the entire world, thank you a million.
Lawrence Tyler
7 months ago
Thank you to Thierry and Blake for this awesome settlement!!
Diane Iverson
7 months ago
I received excellent service with my case. Christine was a big help in sharing the information that was needed to receive a motive outcome. Great job!
CBUMGMT Inc
7 months ago
Dear Alison, Toni, and Team,Thank you so much for recovering my injury case from 9 years ago that was dead in the water since the company went bankrupt and there was nothing else to do. Miraculously, you resurrected my case and was able to get a settlement which completed for me the horrific accident and the suffering I endured because of it. HK&G makes miracles happen by getting the job done and seeing that justice is served. Thank you so much.Susan C.
Sharon Thorpe
8 months ago
I went to Harris Keenan &Goldfarb on 2020 for a slip and fall. This firm was very concerned about my needs. Took my case and awarded me more money than I expected. I love Criistina she went out her way for me so many times.. Beautiful paralegal. Also Mr. Edward, I will forever thank him for his services, keeping me updated on my case. I give this law firm 5 stars.
arien machicote
9 months ago
I must say I am extremely happy and amazed at the incredible work at Harris, Keenan & Goldfarb they were always available if I had any questions and they were always answered very professionallyJason Steinberg is a great lawyer Donna and Terry were always very professional and kind I will always highly suggest this law firm and team to anyone out their. Thank you again to everyone at this incredible Firm!!!
Cole Coldwater
10 months ago
My experience with Harris Keenan and Goldfarb was wonderful. My legal representative, Steven LaRocca with Samantha Walton always made me feel well defended and cared for, in a way that went beyond professional representation and into the realm of caring about me on a personal level. Steven, Samantha and Seth Harris got me a great outcome and I can’t thank them enough!
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10 months ago
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a year ago
Maria Roque
a year ago
Excellent person, very Professional, they assist you in any language, your call is always answered. I recommend you for any case of support you have, your refund is satisfactory. and fast
S S
a year ago
I am completely satisfied, and recommend Harris Keenan & Goldfarb as Attorneys to represent anyone. Their care for me physically, and overall helped me stay strong in spite of my injuries. Always available to answer questions, and inform.They got me Justice, and achieved a substantial outcome for my case.I am very impressed, and thankful for their outstanding performance on my behalf.I am very pleased, and significantly satisfied with their representation.‐-Sherylon Wilkins
Robert Lennon
a year ago
Patient and diligence is how I describe the effort of HKG the work was thorough, honest and fair, I have no complaints. Special thanks to attorney Blake and his paralegal Thierry.
I first crossed paths with Seth Harris when serving jury duty many years ago. He was so professional and personable, that when my mom was seeking legal counsel for medical malpractice, I told her she had to reach out to his firm. We had meetings with a few different firms, but Harris Keenan & Goldfarb was the only firm that did not try to get us to sign paperwork before even meeting. They took the time to listen and understand our situation before we signed anything, and they were transparent and responsive the whole time. I would like to give special thanks to Samantha Walton, Marla Stein, Val Wallace and Seth Harris for helping my mom through this tough time. They were honest and upfront, and even though Seth Harris wasn't personally on the case, he took the time to meet with us and give us his thoughts on it.
Solange Isaac
a year ago
I am pleased with the services provided by Ms Sheri on my case. The team at Harris, Keenan, & Goldfarb were very nice and explained everything to me. Everything that I had questions on they answered without frustration and were prompt and knowledgeable.6 years ago I had a slip and fall accident at my employers place of business. I reached out to them because I knew that I was being wrongfully treated. They took care of the case, restored my self confidence, and brought so much peace to my problem riddled life.I can recommend without a shadow of a doubt the services of Harris, Keenan & Goldfarb to anyone who is in need of someone who will have your back!
My mother had an accident with her ankle back in 2019. I immediately contacted Harris, Keenan & Goldfarb on the day of the accident. They were extremely prompt and helpful. They attended to my mother's case beautifully and she's been recovering well. I'd like to thank you for being so diligent, kind and above all professional. I'd recommend this law firm to anyone who are injured and in need of legal assistance. My mother, Andrea, and I thank you for everything.
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