Children and youth across Manitoba will soon ride their bicycles, wearing new bike helmets purchased as part of the province’s Low-Cost Bike Helmet Initiative. This announcement was made by Healthy Living and Seniors Minister Sharon Blady.
“After such a long winter, families just want to get outside, and what better way to enjoy the outdoors than going for a bike ride,” said Minister Blady. “I’m pleased to hand out helmets today as part of the Low-Cost Bike Helmet Initiative, as we continue to raise awareness on the importance of wearing a helmet when cycling.”
Every year, about 165 cyclists end up in the hospital from cycling-related injuries in Manitoba, with some injuries causing death. About 40 per cent of those injuries happen to cyclists under the age of 18. Statistics show that bicycle helmets reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85 per cent and the risk of brain injury by 88 per cent, the minister said, adding that by conducting bicycle helmet observation studies, it has been shown that helmet use among children and youth have increased significantly since legislation was introduced.
“Encouraging children to be active is a key part of keeping them healthy and cycling is a great way for kids to have fun while being active,” said Dr. Scott Sawyer, medical director of emergency services at the Children’s Hospital. “Head injuries from cycling can be devastating, especially in children, and wearing a helmet is an essential step in reducing head injuries. Making it easier for kids to wear bike helmets and teaching them about safe bike riding are excellent steps to keep kids safer.”
Minister Blady highlighted how the launch of MCA’s video series complements the government’s efforts in making safety a priority for Manitobans when cycling. The Bike Helmets 101 video is already available online and two more videos, Traffic Skills 101 and Bike Handling Skills 101, will soon be available at www.mbcycling.ca.
“These are not your average run-of-the-mill safety videos,” said Twila Pitcher, executive director, Manitoba Cycling Association. “Thanks to partnerships with the Manitoba government, Cycling Canada, local talent and Can-Bike expertise from Bike Winnipeg we were able to create the educational content that Manitoba firms Tetro Design and Handcraft Creative were able to bring to life in a fun and entertaining way. Our goal is to make these videos accessible to a broad demographic and enhance cycling safety for cyclists, drivers, educators, parents and communities.”
Minister Blady also announced the province’s Low-Cost Bike Helmet Initiative, which has distributed more than 97,000 helmets to Manitoba children and their families since 2006, will be renewed for another year and will start in the fall of 2014. Next year will mark the program’s 10th year of operation. Details for the 2014-15 program will be shared with schools and child-care facilities in the fall.
More information on the Low-Cost Bike Helmet Initiative is available here.
