Week In Review: Council Mulls Helmet Ordinance, FCPS Dale To Retire

The Vienna Town Council could adopt an ordinance at its meeting tonight when riding bicycles or certain other two-wheeled vehicles in town.

The ordinance would put Vienna in line with Fairfax and Arlington Counties, which have helmet ordinances of their own. Virginia State Code includes a statute that gives localities power to adopt requirements for riders of bicycles age 14 or under, said Town Attorney Steve Briglia at a recent Town Council meeting.

Under the proposed ordinance, all children under 14 who are riders or passengers of bicycles, electric personal assistance mobility devices and electric power-assisted bicycles would be required to wear helmets on sidewalks, roadway, bike routes and public bicycle paths.

Those who don't would be slapped with a $25 fine. First-time violators would have that fee suspended, along with those violators who buy a helmet between the time of the violation and receiving the fine.

Several council members said the measure was long overdue. Laurie Cole, who first mentioned the issue to council weeks ago, said it is a critical safety issue; groups like the Friends of the W+OD recommend that all riders wear helmet regardless of age, she said.

Residents have a chance to address the council about the ordinance at its 8 p.m. meeting Monday at the Vienna Town Hall.

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The schools chief has piloted one of the country's largest school systems since xxx. The past several years have been marked by increasingly vocal teachers and parents, who have taken issue with how Dale has handled with budget and discipline issues. said he announced his retirement on Sept. 22 so FCPS, those running for school board and the community can plan a smooth transition to new leadership.

Patch will continue to cover this story in the coming week.

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