A milestone 50,000 low-cost bike helmets have been distributed to Manitoba families under a popular program that helps young Manitobans ride safely while getting active in the province’s great outdoors, Healthy Living Minister Irvin-Ross announced.
“Manitoba’s popular bike-helmet program is ensuring that cost is never a barrier to safe cycling and physical activity,” Irvin-Ross said. “We’re extremely pleased that 50,000 children have now benefited from this program and proud to continue this successful initiative another year.”
Under the program, the province offers school children and their families the opportunity to purchase a Consumer Product Safety Commission-approved bike helmet for $10 or $13.
About 9,000 helmets will be distributed this year including over 1,100 provided at no charge to children who cannot afford one. The no-cost helmets are distributed through Kidsport and Manitoba schools, and through partnerships with First Nations communities. This is the fourth year the program has been offered.
The minister said Manitoba will also continue to support bicycle safety initiatives like the CAN-BIKE Cycling Skills program. Through the efforts of instructors trained by Manitoba Public Insurance, the Manitoba Cycling Association and the Sports Medicine Council of Manitoba, Manitobans of all ages can receive bike skills and safety training.
Irvin-Ross also today invited applications for the popular Manitoba in motion grants, which help local organizations encourage physical activity by sharing project costs.
The minister noted that with this year’s grants, the program will have invested $1 million in projects that help Manitobans get active. Since 2005, Manitoba in motion has supported over 300 community-led projects. Examples of uses of in motion funds:
• Brokenhead River Recreation Commission offered open gym physical activities for children with local youth athletes providing mentorship;
• Marcel Colomb First Nation introduced group physical activities, a walking club and information sessions that focused on healthy lifestyles;
• the Assiniboine South area of Winnipeg exposed seniors to physical activity and the benefits of health and wellness through weekly sessions including a pedometer-based walking program; and
• Red Road Lodge in Winnipeg offered physical activity workshops to provide information and supports about healthy living to people who are recovering from addictions or transitioning from homelessness.
“These grants are making a genuine difference in communities across the province, creating more opportunities for physical activity and encouraging healthy living,” said Irvin-Ross. “We’re very proud to build on the successes of Manitoba in motion and continue our support for these important locally led projects.”
Workplaces across the province can also apply year-round for Manitoba in motion grants. Since this program began in 2008, the province has provided over $80,000 to help employers and employees develop an action plan to increase physical activity and access healthy living resources.
All Manitoba in motion grant applications are available at www.manitobainmotion.ca. Community applicants can request up to 50 per cent of the total project costs to a maximum of $3,000. The deadline for these applications is June 1.
More information on bicycle safety and links to various cycling organizations can be found at www.manitoba.ca/healthyliving/bikesafety.
