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:
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 ...
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