Bicycle Helmets

Policy 301.6

Introduction

It is the intent of this policy to reduce potential hazards associated with the use of bicycles which may contribute to injury or loss of life at Appalachian State University.

The Town of Boone has enacted Town of Boone Ordinance Section 71.11 ("Bicycle Equipment and Operating Regulations"). The Preamble to the Ordinance, which requires the use of helmets when operating bicycles "on a public right-of-way or on any property open to the public or used by the public for pedestrian or vehicular purposes," states the following findings:

1. The major cause of death and permanent disability in bicycle accidents is head injury; and
2. Helmets and child carrying devices which meet nationally recognized standards have been demonstrated to significantly reduce the numbers of head injuries in accidents; and
3. Many cyclists do not use the appropriate equipment; and
4. Incentives are necessary to encourage bicyclists to wear helmets.

The University's Code of Student Conduct, at Section 4.02ap., prohibits students from . . . [r]iding a bicycle without a helmet." Because a penalty for this misconduct is not specified in the Code, the range of penalties for "[r]iding a bicycle without a helmet" fall within Section 6.16 ("All Other Violations of the Code of Student Conduct"): "Minimum sanction: Reprimand"; "Maximum sanction: Expulsion."

Because it is unlawful to ride a bicycle in the Town of Boone, including to and from the Appalachian State University campus, the University, for the reasons stated in the Ordinance's Preamble, has concluded that it should have a uniform policy, consistent with the Town's Ordinance, that is applicable to all members of the University community, i.e., faculty, staff, students, and administrators.

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