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Head injury is the leading cause of death in bicycle crashes and is the most important determinant of bicycle-related death and permanent disability. The single most effective safety device available to reduce head injury and death from bicycle crashes is a helmet. Helmet use reduces the risk of bicycle-related death and injury and the severity of head injury when a crash occurs. Unfortunately, national estimates report that bicycle helmet use among child bicyclist ranges only from 15 to 25 percent. Helmet use is lowest (for all ages) among children ages 11 to 14 (11 percent).
- In 1999, 173 children ages 14 and under died in bicycle-related crashes.
- In 2001, 72 children ages 14 and under were treated at Altru Health System emergency room for bicycle-related injuries.
- In 2002, more than 373,000 children ages 14 and under were treated in hospital emergency rooms for bicycle-related injuries.
- A bicycle helmet is a necessity, not an accessory. Buy a bicycle helmet that meets or exceeds the safety standards developed by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Wear a bicycle helmet every time and everywhere you ride.
- Were a bicycle helmet correctly. A bicycle helmet should fit comfortable and snugly, but not too tightly. It should sit on top of your head in a level position, and it should not rock forward and back or side. The helmet straps must always be buckled.
- Learn the rules of the road and obey all traffic laws. Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, not against; use appropriate hand signals; respect traffic signals; stop at all stop signs and stop lights; and stop and look both ways before entering a street.
- Bike helmets come in a variety of styles and sizes. Adults and children of all ages should use a bike helmet when riding a bicycle. Toddlers need to get in the habit of wearing a helmet when riding on a tricycle. Toddler helmets differ in style somewhat from an older child's helmet in that it comes down lower in the back to protect the base of the brain in the event a of a backward tip-over. Adult helmet use not only provides protection from brain injury but sets a good example for children.
- Cycling should be restricted to sidewalks and bike paths until a child is age 10 and able to show how well he or she rides and observes the basic rules of the road. Adult supervision is essential until the traffic skills and judgment thresholds are reached by each child.
- A multi-sport helmet, similar to a toddler helmet in style, is also available for people who participate in other wheeled sports such as scootering, roller blading and skate boarding. Multi-sport helmets can also be use for bicycling thus providing head protection for a variety of wheeled sports.
Safe Kids Grand Forks, the Grand Forks Optimist Club and Altru Health System have joined together to promote bicycle safety and the use of helmets.
A bike rodeo is a great way to teach children the importance of safe biking while incorporating a fun time. A bike rodeo is a safety course that teaches children the skills they need to ride safety and explain to them why it is important to wear their helmet each and every time they are on a bicycle.
Each spring, all 3rd grade classes in the Grand Forks and East Grand Forks school system are invited to participate in the Optimists "Safety on Wheels Program" and head injury prevention presentations by Safe Kids Grand Forks. Helmets are made available to purchase if students do not have one or if it does not fit or is broken. Each helmet is properly fit and participants are provided with bike safety information. The Coalition, along with the Optimists offer other community-wide Rodeos and bike helmet fittings throughout the summer months.
For more information on a schedule, check the Safe Kids calendar or contact the Coordinator. Safe Kids can assist with helmet fittings and have bike and multi-sport helmets for sale at a reduced price.
Safe Kids Grand Forks and local McDonalds restaurants have teamed up each summer to offer the "Cone Head Program". This incentive program has Grand Forks Police Officers "reward" kids seen wearing helmets with "Cone Head Citation". This includes a card for a free ice cream cone at McDonalds. Wear your helmet and maybe you'll be "caught" too.
This program is also offered in Larimore, ND thanks to The Scoops & Lansons Drive Inn. Safe Kids Grand Forks has partnered with Larimore Police Department to "catch" kids being safe in this community.
Safe Kids Grand Forks offers helmets for sale to people of all ages at a reduced price. Our goal is to educate customers in the proper use of the helmets and their importance. To schedule an appointment for a fitting, email chanson@altru.org. Refer to our Helmet Selection Guide for more information.
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For more information, contact:
Carma Hanson
Safe Kids Coordinator
Altru Health System
P.O. Box 6002
860 Columbia Road
Grand Forks, ND 58206-6002
Phone: 701.780.1489
Fax: 701.780.6655
E-mail: chanson@altru.org
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Phone: 701.780.1489