Tuesday, June 15, 2004

BICYCLE HELMETS SAVE LIVES
Is Your Child Wearing One?

(North Bay, Ontario)
Now that school is almost over for this year, there are many issues that the North Bay OPP feel is important to ensure that your children are safe. A Bike Helmet is a significant piece of equipment to ensure that your child will be free of head injury.

It is also the law to make sure your child wears one.

According to the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) of Ontario:

No person shall ride on or operate a bicycle on a highway unless the person is wearing a bicycle helmet that complies with the regulations and the chin strap of the helmet is securely fastened under the chin.

And;

No parent or guardian of a person under sixteen years of age shall authorize or knowingly permit that person to ride on or operate a bicycle on a highway unless the person is wearing a bicycle helmet as required by subsection.

A parent may be fined $75 for not ensureing their child is wearing a proper bycicle helmet.

It is also important to make sure a helmet is properly fitted and is worn properly:

1. When buying a helmet, always make sure it fits properly. To determine the size wrap a measuring tape around the largest part of the head.
2. The helmet should sit evenly between your ears and sit flat on your head. To check the fit place 2 fingers above eyebrows (approximately 1").
3. The two side straps should fit around the ears with the buckle below the ear at the jaw bone
4. Tighten the chin strap (about one finger should fit between the chin and strap), the helmet should fit snug and not move up and down or side to side.

To test that your helmet is properly placed on your head, walk up to a wall, the helmet should touch the wall before your nose.

A Bicycle Helmet should be replaced every five (5) years. Please do not hand down old helmets from older children. The foam that is in a helmet may break down over time and will not be as effective and safe as a new helmet.

Please make sure your child is Safe. When riding a bicycle, please make sure your children are wearing a properly fitted helmet.