WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) – Bikes, scooters, roller skates and skateboards are fun ways to stay active, but they also come with risks. Every summer, emergency departments see a rise in injuries from these activities, many of which can be prevented by simply wearing a helmet.
To encourage safer riding, Aspirus Health and Safe Kids Marathon County are relaunching the Helmet Hero program with a simple message: ‘Be your own hero. Wear a helmet.’
“Nearly half of children hospitalized for bike-related injuries are diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury,” Safe Kids and Injury Prevention Coordinator at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Amanda Tabin, said. “Yet less than half of kids ages 14 and younger wear helmets. Wearing one can reduce the risk of head injuries by at least 45 percent.”
Local officers from the Wausau and Mountain Bay Metro Police Departments will be on the lookout for kids wearing helmets while riding. Those spotted will receive a Helmet Hero coupon for a free small cake cone at any Briq’s Soft Serve location.
“We love to see kids and families enjoying the outdoors on their bikes, scooters, and skateboards,” Mountain Bay Metro Police Officer Jeff Zwicky said. “Just like wearing seatbelts in a motor vehicle, making helmets part of your routine during wheeled sports helps keep everyone safe.”
A common misconception is that older kids and adults do not need helmets once they are confident riders. However, crashes can happen to anyone.
“Bike crashes can happen with riders of all skills and abilities, so it’s important for riders of all ages to wear a helmet on every ride,” Wausau PD Lieutenant Nathan Pauls said. “The Helmet Hero program is a good reminder and extra incentive for kids to wear a helmet whenever venturing out for a ride.”
“Our goal is to inspire kids to make safe choices so they can keep doing the things they love without getting hurt,” Tabin added.
If cost is a barrier to obtaining a helmet, families are encouraged to follow Safe Kids Marathon County on Facebook for updates about community events where free bike helmets will be distributed.
For helmet fit tips and bike safety resources, visit aspirus.org/bicycle-safety.
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