PORT TOWNSEND – After a year and a half of delays and debate, the City Council, in a split vote, repealed a law that requires helmets for bicyclists and skateboarders.
The law, which came into effect on July 1 after a year’s delay, had sparked public outcry, especially from bicyclists.
As resident Sharon Durga told the council on Monday, “I’m really one of those people that believes ‘keep your laws off my body.'”
The council instead turned its focus to bicycling safety education program.
The council voted 4-3 for the repeal, with council members Frank Benskin, Geoff Masci and Laurie Medlicott in the minority.
“I would like to get this off the table so we can implement an education program,” said Deputy Mayor Michelle Sandoval, who made the motion for repeal.
The Port Townsend city staff had recommended delaying implementation of the helmet law until July 2008.
The Port Townsend Police Department had chosen not to enforce the law during its brief existence because the council was planning to consider delaying or repealing it.
