Bike Safety
“But dad if I have to wear a bike helmet how come you don’t?”
Have you ever been asked by your child these words? Lots of families take to the streets to cycle but not everyone will be wearing a helmet. We need to create a culture where everyone gets the message and wears the gear. Parents need to be role models not only for their children but other members of the community. If we set the tone, we can create a culture of safety in our community.
In 2009, 37% of Canadians always wore a bicycle helmet when cycling. Four provinces in Canada have bicycle helmet legislation for all ages and helmet use rates in these provinces are above the national average. Saskatchewan has no bicycle helmet legislation and helmet use rates are well-below the national average with only 22% of people always wearing a helmet when they cycle. (Canadian Community Health Survey, 2009)
Almost half (44%) of all cycling-related deaths were to children under 20 years of age in Saskatchewan between 1995 and 2004. (Saskatchewan Health, 2007)