JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
Jackson city leaders are considering a new law to protect bike riders.
During Monday's city council meeting, a mandatory helmet law was discussed.
The ordinance would require cyclists to wear helmets on public roads and sidewalks in Jackson. Violators of the ordinance could face a $75 fine.
The Brain Injury Association of Mississippi says that Hinds County ranks in the top five for the highest number of brain injuries in the state.
Those proposing the new helmet law say it could save lives.
National figures show 70 percent of all fatal bike crashes involve head injuries.
Dana Pierce, the Associate Director of the Brain Injury Association of Mississippi says, "We think it's important for the city of Jackson to approve this. You know in the last year we can't count the number of children that have been killed being hit on a bicycle and they were not wearing helmets."
Tupelo, Starkville, Hernando and Ridgeland have adopted helmet ordinances. The city of Greenwood is also considering its own law.
"I work with brain injuries every day and it's devastating to families," Pierce said.
City council members say they want more input on how they could enforce the law, especially when children are involved, before they vote on it.
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