# D.C. Code § 50-1601: Findings

> District of Columbia · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T50_C16_S50-1601

## Section

- **Citation:** D.C. Code § 50-1601
- **Heading:** Findings
- **Jurisdiction:** District of Columbia
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** DC Code / Title 50 / Chapter 16 / § 50-1601

## Text

The Council of the District of Columbia finds that:
(1) Increased use of bicycles for transportation and recreation will result in improved air quality, reduced levels of noise and traffic congestion, greater energy conservation, lower transportation costs, fewer parking problems, and increased physical fitness.
(2) Bicycle fatalities and accidents can be reduced through broad-based education and facilities improvements.
(3) The promotion of bicycle transportation and safety in the District of Columbia (“District”) requires the implementation of a comprehensive bicycle transportation and safety program.
(4) A bicycle office is required to coordinate the comprehensive program.
(5) Disability and death from injuries sustained in bicycling accidents are a serious threat to the health, welfare and safety of District children.
(6) Each year approximately 290 children are involved in fatal accidents, and nearly 400,000 are injured with varying degrees of severity in bicycle related injuries or crashes.
(7) Head injuries account for over 60% of bicycle related fatalities and 1/3 of bicycle related emergency room visits.
(8) Use of a bicycle helmet is the single, most effective preventive measure of reducing head injuries 85%, and brain injuries or serious disabilities by 88% from bicycle accidents.
(9) Only 15% of bicyclists use proper head protective equipment, and some studies show that bicycle helmet usage for children under 16 years of age ranges from 5% to 15%.

## Nearby sections

- [D.C. Code § 50-1601 § 50-1601. Findings.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T50_C16_S50-1601.md)
- [D.C. Code § 50-1602 § 50-1602. Comprehensive Bicycle Transportation and Safety Program.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T50_C16_S50-1602.md)
- [D.C. Code § 50-1603 § 50-1603. Office of Bicycle Transportation and Safety.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T50_C16_S50-1603.md)
- [D.C. Code § 50-1604 § 50-1604. District of Columbia Bicycle Advisory Council.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T50_C16_S50-1604.md)
- [D.C. Code § 50-1605 § 50-1605. Helmet use requirements.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T50_C16_S50-1605.md)
- [D.C. Code § 50-1606 § 50-1606. Contributory negligence.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T50_C16_S50-1606.md)
- [D.C. Code § 50-1607 § 50-1607. Child safety helmet education program.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T50_C16_S50-1607.md)
- [D.C. Code § 50-1608 § 50-1608. Child safety helmet assistance program.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T50_C16_S50-1608.md)
- [D.C. Code § 50-1609 § 50-1609. Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T50_C16_S50-1609.md)
- [D.C. Code § 50-1611 § 50-1611. Bicycle registration.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T50_C16_S50-1611.md)
- [D.C. Code § 50-1612 § 50-1612. Bicycle rental information.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T50_C16_S50-1612.md)
- [D.C. Code § 50-1621 § 50-1621. Civil action for bicyclists.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T50_C16_S50-1621.md)
- [D.C. Code § 50-1631 § 50-1631. Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T50_C16_S50-1631.md)
- [D.C. Code § 50-1632 § 50-1632. Licensing; violations; identification numbers.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T50_C16_S50-1632.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_DC_T50_C16_S50-1601. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.