Until now equip their child with a helmet, safety vest or not for a bike output fell under personal assessment of the parents. As of March 22, 2017 things will change because according to a decree published in the Official Journal on 22 December 2016 it is stated:
“Outstanding, the driver and passenger of a cycle, if they are aged under 12 should be wearing a helmet complies with the regulations on personal protective equipment. This helmet must be attached.”
The Ministry of the Interior states:
“Pursuant to Action # 16 of the Inter Committee for Road Safety 2 October 2015 to reduce the severity of injuries to the face and the risks of head injuries of children practicing cycling, bike helmet and reflective clothing is compulsory for children (drivers or passengers) under 12 years.”
In the last 5 years are 1178 children under twelve who were involved in a bicycle accident. 26 were killed, 442 were injured and hospitalized, 665 were injured slightly and only 45 escaped unharmed.
In the EU, many countries have already applied the mandatory helmet.
Up to 10 years Malta
12 years: Austria, Latvia
To 15 years: Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden
Up to 16: Spain, Croatia, Estonia
Until 18 years: Czech Republic, Lithuania
The decree issued yesterday will be effective within three months so that families can be equipped properly. Adults carrying or accompanying children not wearing helmets or reflective vest will face a ticket 90 Euros.