Cycling is fun for the entire family, but both you and your kids need to be properly equipped when riding bikes, skateboards or anything with wheels.
 
Kids, especially 11- to 14-year-olds, are sometimes reluctant to wear helmets. They may insist they’re good riders who don’t need helmets anymore, complain that helmets are uncomfortable, or – an old favorite – point out that none of their friends wear them. Your child may be especially mature for her age; she may be a particularly skilled rider; or it just might feel easier to give in. But we urge you to resist that temptation.

Helmet Fitting

Requiring your children to wear a helmet every time, everywhere they go, is the best thing you can do to protect them. If your child rides a bike, then she probably also enjoys skateboards, scooters or inline skates! Make sure that whenever she “wheels” around, she’s wearing the right gear.

A properly fitted helmet can reduce the risk of a severe brain injury by 88%, however only 15-25% of children under 14 regularly wear a bicycle helmet.

Make sure your helmet is fitted properly. Find out which helmet should be used for which type of activity.

Helmet Distribution

Safe Kids Springfield works with various partners to provide bicycle helmets through education and distribution grants. If you are interested in becoming a partner, contact Safe Kids Springfield for more details.

Bicycle Rodeo

Safe Kids Springfield has the resources to put on a bicycle rodeo with obstacle course for your event. The bike rodeo kit includes signs, cones, and sample courses based on your event’s needs. To check out the kit, view our Resources page to see more details.