More Than 40,000 Low-Cost Bike Helmets Distributed Under Successful Child-Safety Program: Irvin-Ross

Manitoba News Release
……………………………………………………
May 13, 2008

Over 44,000 low-cost children’s bike helmets have been distributed under a popular provincial program that helps young Manitobans ride safely while they stay active during the province’s warmer months, Healthy Living Minister Kerri Irvin-Ross announced today.”Thousands of Manitoba children and their families are now safer when they ride because they took advantage of this initiative,” said Irvin-Ross. “After just three years, we know that over

44,000 children and their families are enjoying the outdoors, being more physically active and doing it safely because of the helmets purchased or provided by this program.”

Under the program, the province offers school children and their families an option to purchase a Consumer Product Safety Commission-approved bike helmet for $10 or $13. The province is also providing 1,500 helmets this year at no charge to children who cannot afford one through Kidsport, Manitoba schools and to children living on reserves through the Manitoba First Nations Wellness Working Group.

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 Sport Medicine Council, Manitobans of all ages can receive bike skills and safety training. Research indicates that cyclists who take training actually ride more often, Irvin-Ross noted.

More information on bicycle safety, as well as links to various cycling organizations can be found at the Protect Your Noggin tab at www.gov.mb.ca/healthyliving.

– 30 –