Columbia Use of helmets ordinance (§ 14-509)

(a) No person fifteen (15) years of age or younger shall ride a cycle within the city limits as an operator or passenger without properly wearing an approved bicycle helmet securely fastened by chin or neck strap.

(b) An approved bicycle helmet is headgear which meets or exceeds the impact standard for protective helmets set by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission federal safety standards.

(c) No parent, custodian, or legal guardian of a person fifteen (15) years of age or younger shall allow that person to ride or be a passenger on a cycle within the city limits as set out in this ordinance without wearing an approved bicycle helmet. This is an offense of absolute liability.