Choosing not to wear a helmet is an individuals choice. However, if
such an individual ask to ride on my property I can and will require
them to wear a helmet since that is my right - my property my rules.
The legislature of Florida saw fit pass a law to require children under
16 to wear a helmet on state property and it is their right to do so
and no it does not violate the US constitution or the FL constitution.
The AERC BOD has the right to pass a rule at any rider in an AERC
sanctioned ride shall wear a helmet as a condition of entry just as
they have a right to require all horses in a 50 and longer mile ride by
60 months old. Any ride manager has the right to add a helmet rule - as
long as it is posted according to AERC rules.
In '96 I ran a ride on Florida state forest land. This forest is quite
large and has several large tracts and they host a lot of special
events from 50 Km and 50 mile runs, 50 mile mountain bike event,
endurance rides, etc. The forest supervisor had instituted a rule that
for any mountain bike, equestrian or ATV event permit would require all
participants wear an approved helmet for that type of activity as a
condition for the required permit. I simply added that to the entry
form as a special rule.
When I told the forest supervisor that there might be some protest and
there might even be a person or to that refused to comply which would
put me into a pickle. He said - just call forestry and they would
remove the offender from the forest for being in violation of forestry
rules and regulations - problem solved.
You you are right Joe - riding in an AERC ride is a privilege. If there
is a helmet rule and you don't want to wear a helmet - don't do the
ride.
Truman.
Joe Long wrote:
I agree with your post 100%. And I've come around to the idea that the
AERC should require them for ALL riders. Then if you don't want to wear
one, fine, just don't ride any AERC rides.
-- “Many people consider the things government does for them to be
social
progress but they regard the things government does for others as
socialism
“Many people consider the
things government
does for them to be social progress but they regard the things
government does
for others as socialism.” Earl Warren, former Chief Justice of the US
Supreme
Court
