GRMC to Distribute Bike Helmets

Spring time brings out bicyclists and the annual bicycle helmet giveaway to more than 500 area third graders. Grinnell Regional Medical Center will once again lead the distribution of free helmets, provided by the GRMC medical staff along with GRMC, area businesses, and individuals.

Bicycling can be fun, healthy, and a great form of independence but it’s important to remember safety. GRMC and the area sponsors are commitment to avoiding head-injuries by teaming up to give a new bicycle helmet to each third grader in the GRMC service area. This year 520 helmets will be given away. Over the previous 15 years, 3,851 students in the GRMC service area have received a free bike helmet.

At each distribution an educational program is presented to emphasize the importance of wearing a helmet and to teach bicycle safety.  Children who use helmets as soon as they begin riding are more likely to continue that healthy behavior throughout their lifetime.

Helmets are given out in 12 school districts covering – BGM, Central Iowa Christian Academy, East Marshall, GMG, Grinnell/Newburg, Lynnville/Sully, Meskwaki Settlement, Montezuma, North Mahaska, Sully Christian, South Tama, and Victor (HLV).

Craig Cooper of Bikes to You, GRMC employees and medical staff, and in some communities like Grinnell, the Grinnell Police department staff, will visit the schools and fit a helmet to each third-grade student as well as discuss the importance of preventing head injury and safety rules.

Financial supporters of the bike helmet distribution in addition to GRMC and the GRMC Medical staff include Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust, Grinnell Bicycle Club, Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, Grinnell State Bank, Lion’s Club of Sully, State Bank of Toledo, Wes Finch Auto Plaza, and the Michael and Susan Witt Foundation.

Biking Safety Tips
Make bicycling safer for all by observing the following safety tips:

• Always wear a helmet
• Obey all traffic controls
• Ride your bicycle near the right-hand edge of the road
• Be seen so wear something that reflects light and avoid riding at night
• Never carry another person on your bicycle
• Always use hand signals when turning or stopping
• Look out for cars at cross street, driveways, and parking places
• Be careful when checking traffic and don’t swerve when looking over your shoulder
• Give pedestrians the right-of-way
• Keep your bicycle in good condition
• Always ride carefully

Remember a bicycle is a vehicle. Bicyclists share the road with other larger forms of transportation. Children under 10 years old should not ride on the street.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Adventuresports.com