Do I have to wear a helmet or other safety gear?

Some state laws mandate that bicyclists wear helmets or other safety gear, but other states do not. Even if your state does not require you to wear a helmet, you should consider wearing one when you ride. Not taking reasonable safety precautions like wearing a helmet and highly visible clothing while cycling can be considered careless behavior in the event you are involved in a crash. If a judge or jury determines that you behaved negligently by not wearing appropriate attire and safety gear, your compensation award may be reduced (or, in some states, you may not be able to recover any compensation at all).