The Sconi

Warm weather encourages children to engage in outdoor activities such as biking, scootering, roller skating, and skateboarding. While these activities are enjoyable, they pose certain risks. Emergency departments often see an increase in injuries related to these activities during the summer months. Many of these injuries can be prevented by wearing helmets.

Aspirus Health and Safe Kids Marathon County have relaunched the Helmet Hero program with a straightforward message: "Be your own hero. Wear a helmet."

"Nearly half of children hospitalized for bike-related injuries are diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury," stated Amanda Tabin, Safe Kids and Injury Prevention Coordinator at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. "Yet less than half of kids ages 14 and younger wear helmets. Wearing one can reduce the risk of head injuries by at least 45 percent."

Local officers from the Wausau and Mountain Bay Metro Police Departments will reward children spotted wearing helmets with a Helmet Hero coupon for a free small cake cone at any Briq’s Soft Serve location.

The Helmet Hero program is supported through collaboration between Aspirus Health, Safe Kids Marathon County, and Briq’s Soft Serve.

"We love to see kids and families enjoying the outdoors on their bikes, scooters, and skateboards," said Officer Jeff Zwicky with the Mountain Bay Metro Police Department. "Just like wearing seatbelts in a motor vehicle, making helmets part of your routine during wheeled sports helps keep everyone safe."

There is a common misconception that older children and adults do not need helmets once they become confident riders. However, accidents can happen to anyone. "Bike crashes can happen with riders of all skills and abilities, so it’s important for riders of all ages to wear a helmet on every ride," said Lieutenant Nathan Pauls with the Wausau Police Department. "The Helmet Hero program is a good reminder and extra incentive for kids to wear a helmet whenever venturing out for a ride."

"Our goal is to inspire kids to make safe choices so they can keep doing the things they love without getting hurt," added Tabin.

Families facing financial barriers in obtaining helmets are encouraged to follow Safe Kids Marathon County on Facebook for updates about community events where free bike helmets will be distributed. This initiative is made possible thanks to funding from the Aspirus Wausau Hospital Volunteers.

For tips on helmet fitting and bike safety resources, visit aspirus.org/bicycle-safety.