written by: Donna Krug - Cottonwood Extension District
Whenever I see people of any age riding their bicycle without a helmet I am concerned. There is sound evidence that without a helmet, riders who sustain an injury are 14 times more likely to become a fatality. That tells me that we should consider a helmet a necessity, rather than an extra. Choose a helmet that meets or exceeds safety standards established by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Make sure the helmet fits, rather than one a child will grow into. Replace a helmet if an accident occurs or if the helmet is badly jarred or cracked.
We are fortunate in Great Bend to have an active Pilot Club that has made preventing head injuries a priority. Last April, I was planning to visit each of the Elementary schools in Barton County and share bicycle safety rules while a Pilot Club member talked about the importance of wearing a helmet while bicycling.
Of course, that schedule changed when schools were closed through the end of May. At a recent Barton County Partnership meeting, a plan to give away helmets to kids at the July 28th Summer Street Stroll was announced. My husband, John, and I will be on hand to visit with families about important bicycle safety tips. Things like riding with traffic and obeying traffic signals are important.
It’s important to stay alert and keep your mind on your riding. This should be the same advice for many people in vehicles. Too many times we have been in close calls with drivers who are on cell phones or just inattentive to the traffic around them.
Many parents ask at what age a child is old enough to ride in the street rather than on the sidewalk. There isn’t a one-size fits-all age. A child’s maturity level is the main factor. Other factors are: the size of the community, traffic patterns and congestion, and whether it is a residential area or a business district. A smaller community can seem peaceful and safe, but may have periods when safety is compromised – for example, after a ball game, during a community festival, or at harvest time.
I hope to meet many young bike riders at Thursday’s Summer Street Stroll from 4- 6 PM as we give away bike helmets.
Donna Krug is the Family & Consumer Science Agent and District Director for K-State Research & Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu K-State Research & Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider.