I know my children's helmets are certified and from Wal-mart, well at least two of the three are from there. The other was given to us by the county's health department. Here, in Florida, children ARE required to wear helmets, but you still see lots of children without them. If fact, I've seen a one year old girl sitting in front of her dad with his one arm around her, other driving the bike, going through the neighborhood. And I know they have a helmet because I gave the mother one we'd outgrown and she was thrilled to have it.

I don't know what makes me cringe more about the woman and child you saw. The lack of lights (something I don't have, I did, but they got broke), the lack of helmet, or the hiking backpack instead of a bike attached child seat or trailer. I can't imagine the stability issues, etc, the hiking child backpack would give on the bike.

I took my 4 year old to school on my bike this morning. We both wore our helmets. My boys know that they have to wear them to ride. Wish I could get their father to wear his too.