ODOT, AAP distributing free bike helmets

VW independent/submitted information

COLUMBUS — A record-breaking number of free bicycle helmets will be going to children across Ohio this spring thanks to a continued partnership between the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (Ohio AAP). More than 10,000 bicycle helmets will be distributed this year as part of the Ohio AAP’s “Put a Lid on It!” bike helmet safety awareness campaign, in conjunction with “Bike Helmet Safety Awareness Week” May 9-21.

“Thousands of children are hurt and several killed in Ohio every year after injuries received while riding a bike,” said Melissa Wervey Arnold, chief executive officer of the Ohio AAP. “We are incredibly grateful for ODOT’s support of our ‘Put a Lid on It’ campaign again this year.

“With their continued support, we will be able to supply more bike helmets to children this year — and save more lives — than ever before,” she added.

At an event in Columbus, ODOT and Ohio AAP will distribute bike helmets to local organizations across the state and provide training on biking education, including how to properly fit children with bike helmets.

A combination of efforts is necessary to effectively increase helmet usage rates among Ohio children, including raising awareness of the benefits, encouraging model behavior among adults, distributing bike helmets to Ohio children and advocating for supportive public policies.

“Spring is here and children are getting out to enjoy the great outdoors on their bikes; we want them to be as safe as possible by having the right equipment,” said ODOT Director Jerry Wray. “We’re happy to be a partner in this effort to get helmets to children who may not otherwise have easy access to them.”

As part of Ohio’s transportation system, the state has 4,207 miles of bike routes and trails, including the Ohio to Erie Trail, which connects Cincinnati and Cleveland. Since 2008, ODOT has invested $60 million into the “Safe Routes to School” program, which builds sidewalks and improves street crossings and encourages children to walk or bike to school safely.

To learn more about Bike Helmet Safety Awareness Week, visit the “Put A Lid On It” Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bikehelmetsafety or the chapter website at www.ohioaap.org. To learn more about the Ohio Safe Routes to School program, visit: www.dot.state.oh.us/saferoutes.