Albany, New York - New York State's politicians have been accused of leaving most major legislative business unfinished this year. But they did accomplish one thing that will have far-reaching implications for some kids: passing a law requiring that children under 14 wear safety helmets while riding skateboards in public areas.

The measure, which Governer George E. Pataki signed on November 16, mirrors laws already in place in New York State which are designed to protect bicycle riders and those who use inline skates against serious head injuries.

According to a legislative memorandum in support of the bill, "Skateboards can be at least as dangerous to ride as bicycles or in-line skates. This is because many skateboard riders practice dangerous stunts and flips on flat surfaces or walls."

The law takes effect on January 1, 2005 *. J. Stephen Casscles, the counsel to Senator William J. Larkin Jr., a Republican from the Hudson Valley, said the senator pushed the issue after a police chief in his district raised concerns about the safety of child skateboarders who mimic stunts from video games. Mr. Pataki's action means that New York has joined other states, including California *, in requiring helmets.

Though many people who skateboard said they could understand the need for safety in their sport, some wondered if it the law went too far.

Brad E. Kodesh, president of skateboard equiment retailer A1skateboards.com, said he did not think the law was necessary, because "ultimately, I think, wearing a helmet is the rider's decision; it should be enforced by the parents."

Mr. Kodesh, 25, said he uses a helmet and kneepads only when he goes to a special skate park, and said he had suffered "some broken bones but no major injuries, thank goodness."

Josh Rabinowitz, publisher of SkateboardDirectory.com, a skateboard directory and search engine, said he saw the law as chipping away at civil liberties and parents' rights to raise their children the way they want to. Mr. Rabinowitz, 34, of Manhattan, said the law was just another way for government to raise revenue, "like all of these ticketing laws that are supposedly for our safety."

The new measure also prohibits skateboarders from attaching themselves to any vehicle on a roadway, and in an especially vague legal phrasing, restricts them from carrying any items that obstruct their view.

For a first violation, a skateboard rider would be warned of the need for a helmet, but on subsequent violations, the rider's parent or guardian could be fined up to $50, said Kevin C. Quinn, a spokesman for the governor, who noted that judges would have discretion.

This article was originally entitled "Law Requires Children to Wear Helmets While Skateboarding", and was found at http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/25/nyregion/25scooter.html. Additional information was added "Helmets Now Required For Skateboarders", found at http://www.wgrz.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=24656

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