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Instead, a public safety campaign could take its place.
The ordinance was proposed by members of the Tupelo Department of Development Services, who said it'd prevent serious head injuries among those most likely to crash.
It'd apply to everyone age 16 and under.
While most council members agreed with the spirit of the rule, many said it'd be difficult to enforce. As evidence, they cited frequent violations of the city's existing ordinance.
It mandates helmets for cyclists of all ages, but does not apply to other self-propelled vehicles or to ATVs. Most council members said they often see children and adults riding without helmets.
"If we don't enforce what's on the table now, we don't need to be adding to it," said council President Fred Pitts during a work session Tuesday afternoon at City Hall.
Ward 5 Councilman Jonny Davis said the new ordinance would weaken current requirements by excluding adults.
Yet all agreed the issue is serious and merits attention. Some, including Pitts and Development Services Director BJ Teal, suggested a public safety campaign to achieve their goal.
"We could give helmets away," Teal said.
No decisions were reached at the 20-minute discussion. But the city's police department will be consulted on the matter.
Contact Emily Le Coz at (662) 678-1588 or emily.lecoz@djournal.com.
public. head trauma in adults don't make for informed voters
Worry about getting City Hall up to Code. Make City Hall workers wear helmets. They are stumbling all over themselves and may fall and get hurt.
I suppose some of us would not seem so cynical if the timing of these "Tupelo is Utopia" articles was a bit better. The world seems to be decaying around us (uh i.e. economic woes, oil in the Gulf, recent flooding and tornadoes, etc.) and the powers that be have their heads stuck in the sand as they continue to keep us apprised about the progress of helmet laws. Does the city council summon the spirit of Ward Cleaver before meetings or what?
You obviously had no right to question a public servant on his job performance and he does not have an obligation to explain how he conducts his "Business". Think about it: he, his training officer and his supervisors will be tasked with enforcing such intrusive laws if passed.
I think their plate of responsibility is already over full...
Am I missing something here?
even in little ol' tupelo, elected officials just cannot help themselves. they wake up one morning and magically have the ability to save their fellow citizens from themselves. pathetic