WADESBORO — Safe Kids Anson coalition members visited Anson Children’s Center last week to distribute helmets for children to use while enjoying the new concrete trike paths recently added to their outdoor learning environment.
“The new trike paths allow these children to experience the joy of riding bikes,” said Kim Wilson, Safe Kids Anson coordinator. “It’s important they are protected properly so they are free to learn and test their capabilities.”
There are so many great reasons to ride bikes: It offers fun, freedom and exercise. We encourage kids and families to ride their bikes as much as possible; however, safety should be a priority. “More children ages 5 to 14 are seen in emergency rooms for injuries related to biking than any other sport,” said Wilson. “Helmets can reduce the risk of severe brain injuries by 88 percent — yet only 45 percent of children 14 and under usually wear a bike helmet.”
Safe Kids has a simple saying: “Use your head, wear a helmet.” It is the single most effective safety device available to reduce head injury and death from bicycle crashes.
Kids learn from watching you, so it’s extra important for parents to model proper behavior. Wear a helmet, even if you didn’t when you were a kid. Your children’s helmet should meet the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s standards. When it’s time to purchase a new helmet, let your children pick out their own; they’ll be more likely to wear it for every ride.
Safe Kids Anson is a local coalition dedicated to providing programs that educate the community and helping families, caregivers and educators prevent childhood injuries. For additional resources on bicycle safety, visit www.safekids.org.
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