Island Pathways Helmet Program 2009

Helmets for Life is 10 years old and still going strong, having fitted over 500 helmets on Island youth. Each year, two elementary schools (including home schooled students) are visited. In addition to outfitting students with a properly-fitted helmet, they learn about safe bicycling laws/practices and the critical importance of riding with a well-fitting helmet. Students pay a mere $10 for these helmets due to the generosity of Fort Street Cycle in Victoria who gives us helmets at cost and to the generosity of local donors who help Island Pathways cover the difference.

It's working! More and more Salt Spring cyclists wear helmets than ever before. At long last, the cycling community has embraced the importance of wearing a proper helmet, and many parents insist their children wear one whenever riding. This increase in good, properly-fitted helmets has resulted in a decrease in the number of helmets needed by elementary school children. We see this as a great victory and like to think Helmets for Life has played a vital role in putting helmets on cyclists' heads. This program depends upon financial support from the community. You have been generous, and donations from Salt Spring Foundation, Lions, Legion, Rotary and private donors have allowed Helmets for Life to thrive. Thanks!

BACKGROUND

It was at one of our regular board meetings in 2000 that Kim Murray the then president of Island Pathways suggested that we buy bicycle helmets at discount and partner with groups in the community to distribute to local students. Since then a program we call "Helmets For Life" has evolved.

During the past six years Island Pathways has sponsored many bike rodeos. In 2004 we went into the Middle School with the local RCMP and presented a seminar on bicycle and helmet safety. We noticed then that a high percentage of the helmets were in poor condition and fit or borrowed from a sibling or parent. In short, most of them were unsafe and even potentially dangerous.

The helmets are purchased from Fort St. Cycle in Victoria at cost. Doug Grams owner and previous Salt Spring Islander sells us the helmets for cost and with matching funds from local groups we provide students a new CSA approved helmet for $10. They are first prepared with a safety and "how to  wear your helmet" talk given by Margaretha Nordine who heads the program. The students are then fitted and choose the style and colour they prefer. The kids and their parents are thrilled!