Sep 15, 2016

The City of Corner Brook, Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, and Western Health are collaborating to promote a Bicycle Helmet Safety Campaign. The public is reminded to always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. There are many reasons to wear helmets, but the most important is to protect yourself and your head from serious injury.

From September 15 to October 8, 2016 we will be looking for cyclists in the City of all ages to wear a helmet. We have created Bicycle Safety Awareness citations and will be planning a bicycle rodeo as a closing event on October 8th, 2016. Those with a helmet will have a special ballot to enter a draw for a new bike. We will be running a contest for new helmets and giving away several prizes for children ages 5-12.

“We support health, safety, and wellness and we believe that wearing a bicycle helmet is as important as a seatbelt,” said Mayor Pender. “We are investing in this initiative and partnering because we want to see everyone wear a helmet. With the purchase of two bikes and helmets as prizes we want to promote City-wide safety.”  
                - Charles Pender, Mayor, City of Corner Brook

“The RNC is proud to be a partner in this worthwhile initiative to promote safe and healthy activity within our community. Riding a bike is great exercise and can be great fun as long as you do so safely. The RNC reminds everyone to wear your helmet when bicycling or skateboarding and stay safe.”
               - Inspector Todd Barron, Corner Brook Region, Royal Newfoundland Constabulary

“Cycling is a great way to be active with the whole family, but it also has its risks. It is important to wear a properly fitted helmet to help protect yourself. A properly fitted and correctly worn bike helmet can make a dramatic difference, cutting the risk of head injury by to up 80 per cent.”
               - Rebecca MacDonald, Health Promotion Consultant, Western Health

QUICK FACTS:
• Effective April 1, 2015, all persons riding a bicycle are required to wear an approved helmet in Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Bicycle helmets help to prevent serious head injuries when used correctly.
• In fact, a properly fitted helmet can decrease the risk of serious head injury by as much as 85 per cent and brain injury by 88 per cent.
• It is important to understand that the key is not just wearing a helmet, but wearing a correctly fitted helmet.

Associated Links:
Newfoundland and Labrador government website: Bicycle Helmets
Parachute Canada: Helmet FAQ
Newfoundland and Labrador Injury Prevention Coalition: Cycling Safety

Media Contacts:

Mayor Charles Pender
City of Corner Brook
(709) 637-1537
cpender@cornerbrook.com

Tara J. Pye
Director of Communications (Acting)
Western Health
(709) 637-5252
tarajpye@westernhealth.nl.ca

Cst. Shawna Park
Media Relations Community Services
Corner Brook Division
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary
(709).637.4130
spark@rnc.gov.nl.ca