Development of a bike helmet safety program

Abstract

Fewer than 41% of children aged 5 ot 14 years wear bicycle helmets while riding. More than a third of the children who do wear helmets wear them improperly. This article describes a bike helmet safety and prevention program started in 2003 by St. Mary’s of Michigan FlightCare, in partnership with Field Neurosciences Institute (FNI). Their program was part of a local elementary school’s “Safety Day” that included volunteers from the local police and fire departments. In addition to learning about the importance of wearing a helmet, each student from grades K through 5 was fitted with his or her own helmet to keep. The author focuses on giving advice and suggestions to other groups who want to put together a bike helmet program. The article concludes with a brief description of the mission of the FNI and other potential sources of funding.