To help prevent injuries and save lives, the Bowling Green Bicycle Safety Commission is partnering with the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in a statewide effort to remind children to “Put a Lid on It” during the month of May – Ohio Bike Helmet Safety Awareness Month.
Bowling Green was one of several local communities to receive youth bike helmets for distribution through support from the Ohio AAP Foundation, Ohio Department of Transportation, and Honda USA Foundation. A total of 184 helmets will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.
Those in need of a youth helmet may pick one up at the Bowling Green Community Center during the following hours:
- Monday, May 12, from 4-7 p.m.
- Tuesday, May 13, from 5 to 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 14, from 5 to 7 p.m.
- Thursday, May 15, from 5 to 7 p.m.
Helmets are also available at the Wood County District Public Library Children’s Room during regular operating hours.
Sizes and quantities are limited. Bicycle safety messages and directions for how to properly fit the helmet are included with each helmet.
“We’re so grateful to partner with Ohio AAP and their Put a Lid on It program. Thanks to their generous helmet donations, we’re keeping more kids safe and protected on their bikes this season,” said Steve Langendorfer, Bowling Green Bicycle Safety Commission chairperson.
Bike helmets save lives and prevent injuries. In 2021, the number of people injured by not wearing a bike helmet was 41,615, enough people to fill Nationwide Arena in Columbus two times.
While Ohio currently has no statewide mandate on helmet usage, the National Transportation Safety Board is recommending all states enact laws requiring bicyclists to wear helmets to stem an increase in bicycle deaths on U.S. roadways.
- In Ohio, estimates indicate that just 10-20% of children wear bike helmets.
- 75% of bike-related fatalities would be prevented with a helmet.
- Helmet use can reduce the risk of head injury by 85% and severe brain injury by 88%
- Apart from the automobile, bicycles are tied to more childhood injuries than any other consumer product, including trampolines, ladders, and swimming pools.
To learn more and show support, visit www.ohioaap.org/putalidonit.
