Title
Resolution Accepting Award of 100 Children’s Bicycle Helmets from NC Department of Transportation
Body
Council Priority: Promote Public Safety & Reduce Crime
Department: Police
Council District: All
Public Hearing: NA
Advertising Date/By: NA
Contact 1 and Phone: Brian L. James, 373-2085
Contact 2 and Phone: Stephanie Moore, 373-2352
PURPOSE:
Requesting a resolution for the Greensboro Police Department to accept award of 100 bicycle helmets from the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
BACKGROUND:
The Greensboro Police Department has been awarded 100 children’s bicycle helmets from the NC Department of Transportation as part of their NCDOT Bicycle Helmet Initiative. The helmets will be distributed by the police department as part of community engagement events.
Since 2007, the Bicycle Helmet Initiative has equipped thousands of children with helmets - a simple and essential means of reducing bicyclist injuries and fatalities. Funded by proceeds from North Carolina's "Share the Road" specialty license plate, the program distributes helmets to government and non-government agencies conducting bicycle safety events for underprivileged children.
Children are among the key demographic involved in bicycle-related incidents:
• On average, 20 bicyclists are killed each year in North Carolina, according to N.C. Department of Transportation statistics. One in six is under 16 years old.
• Children 5 to 14 years old visit emergency rooms for bicycle-related injuries more than any other sport or recreational activity.
• Typically, less than 50 percent of children wear safety helmets, according to Safe Kids Worldwide. The Helmet Safety Institute says wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of severe brain injuries by 88 percent.
BUDGET IMPACT:
There is no budget impact in accepting the award.
RECOMMENDATION / ACTION REQUESTED:
It is requested that City Council accept the bicycle helmets awarded by the NC Department of Transportation.