A record number of children, 11,850 total, across the state will be receiving lifesaving bicycle helmets through the N.C. Department of Transportation’s Bicycle Helmet Initiative, part of ongoing efforts to reduce bicycle injuries and deaths in North Carolina.
NCDOT uses funds from the sale of “Share the Road” specialty license plates to pay for bike helmets that are distributed at bicycle safety events for underprivileged children by government and non-government agencies.
A record 163 organizations applied to participate in the program this year. Helmets will be delivered by April 30. Helmets save lives. While less than half of all children typically wear a helmet while biking, they can reduce the risk of severe brain injuries by nearly 90 percent.
The following local organizations are receiving helmets:
City of Dunn
Fuquay-Varina Police Deptartment
Goldsboro Parks and Recreation
Town of Knightdale
Nash County Health Department (NCHD) and Twin Counties Partnership for Healthier Communities(TCPHC)
North Carolina State Highway Patrol
Safe Kids Johnston County
South Smithfield Elementary School
Wendell Police Department
Residents dedicated to bicycle safety in North Carolina have supported this initiative since it began in 2007. Since then, thousands of bicycle helmets have been distributed to children.
