New Laws Pedestrians and Cyclists May Want to Know About

Earbuds or headsets can’t be worn while driving a vehicle or on a bike (SB 491, Transportation Committee)
This law, among other things, makes it unlawful to wear a headset covering, earplugs in, or earphones covering, resting on, or inserted in, both ears, while operating a motor vehicle or a bicycle. This prohibition does not apply to persons operating authorized emergency vehicles, construction equipment and refuse or waste equipment while wearing a headset or safety earplugs. (Info courtesy of the DMV)

A new federal law supports parents who let their kids get to school on their own

Section 8542 of the Every Student Succeeds Act specifically does not limit “a child from traveling to and from school on foot or by car, bus, or bike when the parents of the child have given permission” nor does it “expose parents to civil or criminal charges for allowing their child to responsibly and safely travel to and from school by a means the parents believe is age appropriate.”

Did you know that there is no federal law setting a legal age minimum before children can walk to school alone? Read more about how to determine the right age to let your child walk alone.