Helmets on State Trails

Question

Joanne asked: I just bought a trike from a local bike store here in Zephyrhills. They told me that I could not ride on the trails in Florida without a helmet. They said that the park rangers would confiscate my bike and send me on my way (walking) if I was not wearing a helmet. I am an adult. I realize children under 16 must wear a helmet, but me? And only on the trails?

Answer

We always recommend the use of helmets, but I am not aware of any regulations or ordinances that require the use of helmets by adults on state trails. In fact, a statement to the contrary is on this Florida Parks site,

https://www.floridastateparks.org/things-to-know/park-rules

Helmets are required by Florida law for cyclists and equestrians under the age of 16 and are recommended for all ages.

is the same as the state statute about bicycle helmet use in all of Florida.

s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations

(d) A bicycle rider or passenger who is under 16 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet that is properly fitted and is fastened securely upon the passenger’s head by a strap …. the term “passenger” includes a child who is riding in a trailer or semitrailer attached to a bicycle.

In other jurisdictions such as a county or municipality, it is possible that there could be local ordinances about helmet use for parks and trails.  I suggest asking the person at the bike shop the source of the information they are giving their patrons. Ask them to provide the law enforcement agency and the written specific regulation they are quoting. Please advise us of the response they give in comments below.