Columbus County Parks and Recreation, in partnership with Trillium Health Resource and the YMCA-Lower Cape Fear, is giving away free bike helmets for riders of all ages.
Head injuries from falling off bicycles is the number one cause of death from not wearing a helmet or an ill-fitted one. Wearing a properly fitted helmet reduces the risk of head and traumatic brain injuries from 65 to 88 percent.
Worn correctly, they are highly effective, even in a crash with a vehicle. There are three layers of a helmet to protect the head: the outer shell, foam lining, and rotational management of the helmet. Make sure the helmet fits two finger-widths above the eyebrow, straps should form a “V” just under and slightly in front of the earlobes, and two finger widths under the chin but snug. It’s one of the easiest things for safety to do on a bike is to wear a helmet.
The helmets will be given away on a first-come, first served basis. The giveaway will take place July 10, from 9 – 11 a.m. at 310 Jefferson Street, Whiteville.
