Questions, answers on proposals to adopt bike helmet laws for kids.

Byline: By Jeffrey Mize

Jun. 24--Almost three months ago, Portland television reporters rushed to Vancouver after the death of a 5-year-old girl who was hit by a truck while riding her bicycle in east Vancouver.

One of their immediate questions: Why wasn't she wearing a helmet?

Unlike Oregon, Washington has no statewide law requiring children to strap on helmets when riding on public streets.

Most of Washington's biggest cities, including Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma, have local laws requiring all bicyclists to wear helmets. Other cities require only juveniles to wear helmets.

Vancouver, as well as Clark County, could join the group of cities and counties with helmet laws.

The Vancouver City Council had its first discussion earlier this month.

Some questions and answers about helmet laws:

What is Oregon's law?

Since July 1994, Oregon has required children 15 and younger to wear helmets when riding bicycles. Failure to comply with the state law is punishable by a $25 fine. For children for 11 and …