Legislation

• In 1986, California became the first state to pass a bicycle helmet law. According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, it required a helmet for any child under the age of 5. It was amended in 1994 to require a helmet for any bicyclist or passenger under the age of 18.
  
  

Approved helmets

• In order to be in compliance with the California law, the bicyclist or passenger must be wearing a helmet approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
  
  

Similar requirements

• In 2003, California again amended the state helmet law. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the bicycle helmet law now also encompasses riders and passengers of nonmotorized scooters, skateboards and in-line or roller skates.
  
  

Other restrictions

• In the city of El Cerrito or in Bidwell Park in Chico, bicyclists and passengers of all ages are required to wear a helmet.