Fire - Ask a Firefighter Columns

Glendale Republic
12-19-08

Helmets

As we walk out of our homes to enjoy the weekend after Christmas, we may see a few more bicycles than before. Year in and year out the bicycle seems to be one of the most popular gifts of any Holiday Season. Glendale Fire Department says- well done to those families who chose to give their child a bike this Christmas. Bicycle riding is an awesome way to integrate exercise and fun.

Several adults still remember their first bike and several children just received their very first one. The bicycle remains a traditional favorite gift for children during any Holiday Season. 

While giving your child a bike is a good idea, making sure your child uses a bike helmet is an even better one. Today’s ‘Ask a Firefighter’ question is: How can I keep my child safe while riding his or her brand new bike?

According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, a bicycle helmet reduces the risk of serious head and brain injury by 85%. Even with such powerful statistics that speak to the benefit of helmet safety, a national study showed that only 15 percent of children ride with bicycle helmets.

The Glendale Fire Department acknowledges that the bicycle remains a traditional gift for children during the Holiday Season. While the tradition of bike riding should continue, Glendale Firefighters are asking parents to break the obvious tradition of allowing children to ride without a helmet. Please explain to your child that riding without a helmet is simply not an option. We as adults should also lead by example with this important rule. We must express to our children by our actions and our words that riding a bike without a helmet is not an option.

The Glendale Fire Department thanks everyone in the community for your continued support and we wish you a Happy and Safe New Year!