16-05-2025
Kids get free bike helmets through program in Struthers
STRUTHERS, Ohio (WKBN) – With the end of school just weeks away, Struthers Elementary students are getting a little extra gear to keep them safe this summer — brand new bicycle helmets.
'We are really stressing bike safety. We're adding a lot of bike lanes to the city, so this is something that we were able to apply for,' said Mayor Catherine Miller.
The city received more than 200 helmets to pass out to kids whose parents had requested them, as well as small flashing lights to attach to the spokes on their bikes. They all came through a grant from the American Academy of Pediatrics 'Put a Lid on It' campaign to reduce traumatic brain injuries in children.
Miller first applied to the Academy of Pediatrics several years ago, saying it was completely free to both the city and the school district. When the program came up again, she immediately applied.
Each kid also received a card with information on why it's important for anyone to be wearing a helmet when they're riding. It's a message that resonates with parents.
'When the kids are out there riding, you don't know what's going to happen. You don't know if they're going to go over a bump on the sidewalk, the road, whatever. Also, as cars can't always see kids going across the street,' said Jennifer Jones, of Struthers.
For those children who didn't get signed up for a helmet, there are spares.
'We have extra at the office that are going to be dispersed to our police and fire so that when they are out and see a child riding a bike without a helmet, we can give that to them,' Miller said.
All to teach the young ones some good safety habits.
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