Bicycle Registration

Skull Study Shows Bike Helmets Work How to Fit a Helmet Helmet Laws in City of Spokane Washington State Bike Laws

Every year, C.O.P.S. volunteers register hundreds of bicycles throughout the city of Spokane.

Volunteers take information on the bike; including size, gender, color and serial number.

The children give the volunteers their name, address and phone number so they can be contacted if their bike is found.

A numbered sticker is placed on the bike that will identify the substation and the owner information.

Some C.O.P.S. Substations sponsor Bike Rodeos and Safety Fairs where the bikes get an inspection and tune-up.

Bike helmets are available to children who don't have one and safety brochures are given to the parents.

How to fit a helmet

Bike helmets can reduce the risk of head injuries by as much as 85% and brain injuries by as much as 88%. In order for the bike helmet to protect you, it needs to fit properly. Follow these easy tips to wearing a helmet correctly:

• Make sure your helmet is the right size. Try on several helmets before buying one. The helmet should fit comfortably. If needed, use extra pads for a snug and secure fit.

• Make sure the straps fit around your ear and under your chin snugly. The straps should form a "V" under your ears. Leave enough room for one finger to fit between your chin and the strap.

• The helmet should rest flat on your head, not too far forwards or backwards. The helmet should rest low on the forehead, no more than two finger widths above the eyebrows.

• Look for the CPSC or SNELL certification sticker inside the helmet.

• Get a new helmet when you grow out of it or within 5 years, whichever comes first.

• Replace your helmet after a crash or if it is cracked.

Another source for Bicycle Safety is the Injury Prevention Program at the Spokane Regional Health District.