PORT TOWNSEND — A split City Council approved the first reading on Monday night of an ordinance repealing the city’s short-lived mandatory bicycle helmet law.
The initial approval by a 3-2 vote, with two council members absent, comes after months of debate over the need for a bike safety program along with the helmet law, which most recently resulted in city police and fire officials banding together to fit cyclists with free helmets.
The ordinance is expected to soon go to a second reading before the council for final approval.
The City Council, during an April 21 work session, voted to revisit the controversial bike helmet law passed by a split vote late last year.
The rethinking came after Councilman Scott Walker, a walker and cyclist, was joined by several cyclists who urged the council to repeal the law.
Council members Frank Benskin, Geoff Masci and Laurie Medlicott opposed revisiting the ordinance they strongly support.
Monday night, Medlicott and Masci maintained their opposition to the repeal, while Mayor Mark Welch, and council members Walker and Michelle Sandoval voted for repeal.
Benksin and Councilwoman Catharine Robinson were absent.