Moses Lake Council delays ruling on helmets

MOSES LAKE - The Moses Lake City Council seeks input on a proposed ordinance requiring helmets for people biking, skating and riding scooters and skateboards.

The proposal affects people of all ages who are enjoying the activities in a public place.

Currently, there is no city ordinance requiring helmets for any ages, however the Grant County Health District passed a resolution recommending mandatory bicycle helmet laws for all ages.

The proposed ordinance would apply to anyone operating or riding any bicycle, electric-assisted bicycle, in-line skates, roller skates, skate shoes, scooters or skateboards, including any passengers. The council decided more input was necessary before voting on the ordinance this week.

If passed, a violation of the ordinance could result in a civil infraction including a $25 fine enforced by the Moses Lake Police Department. Police would have considerable discretion in enforcing the ordinance using warnings rather than issuing fines.

In a previous letter to the council, Jeff Ketchel, administrator with the Grant County Health District, stated the district supports a helmet requirement for all ages.

According to Ketchel, The Safe Kids Program has issued more than 1,500 bicycle helmets in Moses Lake in the past seven years but there are still many children not wearing helmets.

Joshua Mohs, owner of Mosaik Boardshop and a professional skateboarder, said he supports requiring helmets for bicyclists sharing the road with vehicles but in areas like the skate park, the same dangers aren't present. Mohs said his children wear helmets and leaves the decision up to parents when they come to his store.

The proposed ordinance is a melding of the recommendation of the health district, as well as city ordinances in place in Ellensburg and Goldendale, which require children ages 16 and younger to wear helmets.

Council member Karen Liebrecht said education has improved awareness on helmet use and adding more education could further improve use.

"I think this ordinance supersedes the length that our government should reach," she said. "I think wearing helmets is a good parenting rule to have. I don't think it should be enforced by government."

City Manager Joseph Gavinski said the previous proposed ordinance only required those 16 and younger to wear a helmet, but was changed to include all ages at the recommendation of the health district.

The ordinance will be further discussed at the next city council meeting April 9.