Did you know?
Biking is the sport most likely to crash-land you in a hospital emergency room.- Every day, about 1,000 biker children ages 6-14 end up in the hospital emergency room, with injuries ranging from broken bones to brain concussions. More than half of the injured bikers suffer brain damage!
- Non-helmeted bikers are 14 times more likely to be involved in a crash.
These are preventable injuries with an inexpensive and easy solution: Helmets reduce the risk of brain injuries by almost 90%! It is time for us to take action now instead of waiting for tragedy to strike one of our youngsters.
Village of River Forest Ordinance 9-4-8 requires that every child under 16 wear a protective helmet when riding a bicycle. Penalties include ticketing, attending a bicycle safety education program and public service, however, our police officers cannot and should not be alone in enforcing this ordinance.
Now is the time for all our residents to join together and support this initiative. Our target is educating our middle school children, who believe helmet-wearing is "uncool", using a variety of incentives to encourage and increase helmet use. During the months of June, July, August, and September, police officers and public officials will reward helmeted bikers with raffle tickets. The raffle tickets can be deposited at drop boxes at The Depot (River Forest Park District), Village Hall, and the River Forest Public Library to enter for prizes. Each month, a drawing will be held with the winning ticket holders receiving a prize, such as helmets, biking gear, theater tickets, restaurant vouchers, and even a brand new bike! The initiative has the enthusiastic support from the River Forest Park District, The Village of River Forest, School District 90, The River Forest Public Library, and The Oak Park River Forest Community Foundation.
Raffle Drawing Dates/Times:
1. June 29, 2009, 6:45pm at the River Forest Public Library
(click here to see the winners!)
2. July 30, 2009, 6:45pm at the River Forest Public Library
(click here to see the winners!)
3. August 28, 2009, 3:30pm at the River Forest Public Library
(click here to see the winners!)
4. September 12, 2009 5:30pm at the Clear Sky Festival, Keystone Park
(click here to see the winners!)
5. October 23, 2009, 6:45pm at the River Forest Public Library
(click here to see the winners!)
If you would like to join in with the campaign or have any questions, please contact Sue Crothers Gee at suebillgee@comcast.net or Susan Lucci at smlucci@sbcglobal.net.