The Virginian-Pilot
                             THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Thursday, July 20, 1995                TAG: 9507200007
SECTION: FRONT                    PAGE: A14  EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Letter 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   27 lines

WEAR A HELMET

Terry Albertson objects to the Virginia Beach ordinance requiring bicycle riders under 14 to wear a helmet (``Ordinance harms bicyclists,'' letter, July 4). The only fault I can find is the ordinance may send a message that adults don't need helmets, which is a fallacy.

My husband and I have been Tidewater Bicycle Club members for 20 years and have ridden thousands of miles, none without a helmet. We have both had accidents which, had we not been wearing helmets, would have caused more serious injuries than bruises and scrapes involving medical costs and lost work time.

I urge Mr. Albertson to rethink his position. Buy and wear (ANSI approved helmets) and take to the bike trails again!

HILDA SCOTT

Virginia Beach, July 4, 1995 by CNB