City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: NOVEMBER 4, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
THROUGH: JAMES F. PARAJON, CITY MANAGER
FROM: LEAH RILEY, DIRECTOR, TRANSPORTATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Introduction and First Reading. Consideration. Passage on First Reading of an Ordinance to amend and reordain Section 10-7-12 (BICYCLE HELMETS) of Chapter 7 (BICYCLES AND MICROMOBILITY DEVICES) of Title 10 (MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC) of the Code of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, 1981, as amended.
BODY
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ISSUE: Consideration of a proposed amendment to expand the requirement for a helmet to riders of electric power-assisted bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, motorized skateboards, and motorized scooters that are 14 years of age or younger
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council:
1. Introduce and pass on first reading, the ordinance (Attachment 2) amending Section 10-7-12 of the City Code, to require people 14 years of age or younger to wear a protective helmet when riding or being carried on electric power-assisted bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, motorized skateboards, and motorized scooters; and
2. Set the ordinance for public hearing and final passage on Saturday, November 14, 2026.
BACKGROUND: Section 10-7-12 (Bicycle helmets) of the City Code requires every person 14 years of age or younger to wear a protective helmet that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission standard when riding or being carried on a bicycle in the City. A violation carries a $25 civil penalty, for which the parents of the violator are liable. The penalty is suspended for a first violation, and for any subsequent violation if proof of a helmet purchase is submitted.
In July 2026, Virginia law was amended to add motorized skateboards or scooters and nonmotorized scooters to the list of devices a locality may require people 14 years or younger to wear a helmet while riding.
DISCUSSION: The proposed ordinance (Attachment 2) amends subsection (a) of Section 10-7-12 so that the existing helmet requirement for people 14 years of age or younger applies when riding or being carried on a bicycle, electric power-assisted bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, motorized skateboard, or motorized scooter. It retitles the section “Protective helmets” to reflect this scope. All other provisions of the section remain as they are today and are consistent with the structure prescribed by Virginia law. The ordinance would take effect upon final passage.
Consistent with the City’s Vision Zero commitment to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries, the City’s communications staff will work to publicize the expanded requirement to families and young riders through the City’s existing bicycle, pedestrian and Vision Zero safety outreach. Transportation staff is also coordinating with Alexandria City Public Schools on education and distribution of helmets
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact from this amendment. The proposed amendment does not change the existing civil penalty, and outreach regarding the expanded requirement can be accomplished with existing staff resources.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Ordinance Cover
2. Ordinance
3. Presentation
STAFF:
Lindsay Dubin, Assistant City Attorney, CAO
Tarrick McGuire, Police Chief, APD
Emily Baker, Deputy City Manager
Leah Riley, Director, T&ES
Hillary Orr, Deputy Director, T&ES, Transportation Planning and Mobility
Katye North, Division Chief, T&ES, Mobility Services
Sheila McGraw, Principal Planner, T&ES, Mobility Services
Thomas Hillman, Urban Planner, T&ES, Mobility Services