Cooler temperatures have many people looking for new adventures, even in the high country.  Cycling is fun for the entire family, but it’s important to be as safe as possible.  Knowing the rules of the road is important, but so is personal protection – like helmets.  Injuries to the head are the most common among cyclists who end up dying.  Helmet use has been estimated to reduce head injury risk by 85 percent.  Helmets keep the brain safe! In 2011, 3,686 Arizona children were seen in an emergency department or hospitalized for a non-fatal pedal-cycle injury and the two children who died were not wearing a helmet. 

But helmets aren’t cheap – fortunately, we have great partners in Arizona who want to help make sure kids cycle safely.  On September 29th, kids between 5 and 10 years old are going to be able to get a free bike helmet.  The Arizona Chapter of American Academy of Pediatrics is providing the helmets and McDonalds is making it easy to find one in Maricopa, La Paz, Mohave, Yavapai, Coconino, Gila, Navajo, Apache, Graham, and Pinal counties. Volunteers from Safe Kids Arizona will be on site to properly fit<http://www.safekids.org/safety-basics/safety-resources-by-risk-area/bicycling-and-skating/helmet-fit-test-video-2012.html> bicycle helmets. Be sure to share this opportunity with others<http://community.mcdonalds.com/phoenix>!