The annual Bike to School Day celebration at Park Elementary School in Kearney, Nebraska, was a resounding success, bringing together students, parents, and community members to promote physical activity, bicycle safety, and the importance of wearing helmets. This event is a testament to the growing awareness of the need for safe and healthy transportation options for children.
The Importance of Bicycle Safety
The key takeaway from the event was the emphasis on bicycle safety and the need for children to wear helmets while riding their bikes, scooters, or other ride-on transportation. Tracy Rodemacher, CHI Health Good Samaritan Trauma Outreach Coordinator, explained that wearing a helmet can make a significant difference in the event of an accident, reducing the risk of major head injuries by absorbing shock.
“Bike helmets are really going to reduce any type of major head injury by absorbing some of that shock,” Rodemacher said. “We know with broken bones they heal really quick and we can put a cast on them, but with head injuries, we aren’t so fortunate. So if we can prevent some of that injury by doing shock absorption with a proper helmet that’s fitted properly, we stand a better chance of less injury.”
Parental Involvement and Helmet Fitting
To encourage children to wear helmets, parents play a crucial role in setting a good example and enforcing rules early on. Tracy Rodemacher emphasized the importance of parents:
* Being a good example and wearing helmets themselves
* Enforcing rules with their children, such as not riding or being on scooters, skateboards, and other wheeled things without a helmet
* Ensuring the helmet fits properly, with two fingers between the eyebrows and the visor, a ‘V’ shape around the ears, and a snug but not uncomfortable chin strap
Community Support and Resources
The Bike Helmet Event is a community-led initiative that aims to provide affordable bike helmets to families in need. The event, which will take place at the Kearney Public Library on June 2 from 4-6 p.m., will offer reduced-price helmets, as well as trained staff members to help fit the helmets properly.
Statistics and Facts
* Over 175 new bike helmets were provided during the last summer’s event
* According to Safe Kids Platte Valley, more children ages 5-14 are seen in emergency rooms for injuries related to biking than any other sport
* Helmets can reduce the risk of severe brain injuries by 88 percent
* Only 45 percent of children 14 and under usually wear a bike helmet
Conclusion
The Bike to School Day celebration is a testament to the power of community-led initiatives in promoting physical activity, bicycle safety, and the importance of wearing helmets. By supporting this event, parents, caregivers, and community members can help ensure that children are equipped with the knowledge and resources they need to stay safe while riding their bikes or scooters. For more information on bike safety and resources, visit the Safe Kids Platte Valley website.
