Be a Leader By Promoting Bike Helmet Safety

The Village of Greendale Health Department is calling on villagers to be leaders and set an example by wearing bike helmets.

The sun is coming out, temperatures are warming up, and bikers are coming out the shadows of winter.

About 50 percent of bicyclists wear a helmet for some trips and only 35 percent use one all the time, according to a 2008 National Survey of Bicyclist and Pedestrian Attitudes and Behavior. That same study recorded that 630 bicycle deaths were recorded due to failure to wear a bike helmet. The study also said that there were over 8,000 non-fatal bike injuries for children ages 14 and under.

“Children learn by example,” said Christopher Greenberg, chairman of the Greendale Board of Health. “As a good role model, teach your family members, neighbors and friends to always wear a helmet. Helmet designs have become much more appealing and kids’ helmets feature cartoon characters and interesting colors.”

The health department also suggests to check with your child’s health care provider for information on several programs sponsored by Children’s Hospital that provide bike helmets to your child at low or no cost.

For information on how to fit a helmet properly visit http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/pedbimot/bike/easystepsweb/index.htm.