(Posted Aug. 17, 2020)
Theresa Hennis, Staff Writer
On Aug. 15, Madison County Public Health and the Friends of Madison County Parks & Trails came together to give children of Madison County free bike helmets. The “Put A Lid On It” drive-through took place in the parking lot at the Madison County Senior Citizens Center in London.
Normally, FMCPT holds the giveaway as part of their bike rodeo at the annual Madison County Safety Expo. When the expo was cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns, FMCPT and the health department decided to work together to make sure children received proper head gear to keep them safe on their bikes.
The Ohio Chapter of the Academy of American Pediatrics and the Ohio Department of Transportation provided 180 helmets for the event.
“It’s important that the helmet fits right,” said Amber Snyder, Madison County Public Health educator. “It should fit snugly and not wobble on the head, and the chin strap should be snug under the chin. If the helmet is not worn properly, it might not protect the child in a crash.”
Each helmet came with instructions and pads for a proper fit. In previous years, volunteers would do fittings on site.
Shanda Horace and her daughter, Jazira, 6, of London picked up a helmet at the giveaway because they live on a busy street where drivers don’t always obey speed limits.
“Jazira wants to ride her bike, and we want her to stay safe,” Horace said. “This is our first time to the helmet giveaway.”
Jazira was so excited to go to the event that she wore a special dress for the occasion.
“I fall sometimes, and I need a helmet,” she said.
For information about how to properly fit your child with a bike helmet, visit fmcpt.com or call Madison County Public Health at (740) 852-3065.
