Brownsburg Bicycle Helmet Laws

The state of Indiana does not have a bicycle helmet mandate. Cyclists might think that with no Brownsburg bicycle helmet laws or in any other suburb around Indianapolis, they have no reason to wear one. However, statistics and evidence indicate that bicycle helmets are a simple way to prevent serious head injuries.

The bike accident attorneys at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin represent cyclists who have been injured by another party’s negligence. Because cyclists can suffer catastrophic injuries if they are not wearing helmets, we strongly urge you and your loved ones to wear a bicycle helmet whenever you ride a bike.

Why Should You Wear a Bicycle Helmet?

Statistics gathered by the National Institute of Health make a strong case for wearing a helmet while cycling. It was found that helmets account for a 48% reduction in head injuries from a bicycle crash, a 60% reduction in serious head injuries, and a 53% lower rate of traumatic brain injuries.

They were also found to reduce facial injury and trauma by 23% and bike accident fatalities by 34%. Based on the facts and although the laws in Brownsburg do not mandate it, wearing a helmet while cycling is a commonsense way to lower the risk of serious injuries in a bicycle crash.

Helmet Laws and eBikes

Brownsburg residents have enthusiastically joined the electric bicycle (eBike) revolution, with eBikes being used for leisure riding, food delivery, police patrols, and general commuting purposes. Indiana categorizes and dictates laws for eBikes by their capabilities:

• Class 1: Do not have throttles and have electric assist systems that limit speeds to 20 miles per hour
• Class 2: Have throttles and are also limited to 20 miles per hour
• Class 3: Have throttles and electric assists that can push to 28 miles per hour

Under these classifications, Indiana Code § 9-21-11 precludes anyone in Brownsburg under the age of 15 from operating a Class 3 eBike, and requires riders who are younger than 18 to wear a helmet by law.

The Medical Cost of Not Wearing a Helmet

Per the Centers for Disease Control, the immediate medical treatment of a nonfatal brain injury can cost upwards of $50,000. Lifetime treatment for head and brain injuries can run into the hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars.

The attorneys at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin track these numbers as part of their efforts to recover damages for injured cyclists, and our record of recovering damages for our clients is a testament to our success. Nonetheless, with the growth of bicycle riding in Indiana and elsewhere in the country, we continue to advocate for stronger helmet laws and other protections for our Brownsburg neighbors and clients.

Contact Our Law Team If You Have Questions After a Bike Crash With No Helmet

Brownsburg’s bicycle helmet laws do not mandate their use, but wearing a helmet will only ever protect you. If you have been in a devastating crash without a helmet, the lawyers at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin will fight for you by recovering the compensation you need to get back on your bicycle after your accident. Call us today if you are ready to pursue damages for a crash.