Hastings Prince Edward Public Health and Parachute are encouraging Canadians to ride together and prevent cycling injuries this spring.
Hastings & Prince Edward Counties, May 4, 2015 – Following safe cycling practices, such as wearing a helmet and having a properly adjusted bike, means that your kids can be safer on the road within your community. This is the message being shared during Parachute’s Safe Kids Week, May 4-10, 2015. Cycling is a leading cause of unintentional injury and hospitalization in Canadian kids under the age of 14. Parachute and Hastings Prince Edward Public Health are encouraging Canadians to become aware of the importance of cycling safety in order to prevent riding-related injuries this summer.
Head injuries are the main cause of serious injury and death to kids on bicycles. A properly fitted and correctly worn helmet can make a dramatic difference, cutting the risk of serious head injury by up to 80%. “Families riding together to help educate kids is key. By partnering with community-based organizations like Hastings Prince Edward Public Health, we’re ensuring the right prevention tools are available to families during Parachute’s Safe Kids Week as well as throughout the summer months,” says Louise Logan, Parachute’s President and CEO.
Now in its 19th year, Parachute’s Safe Kids Week is an annual public awareness campaign designed to raise awareness about the frequency and severity of preventable childhood injuries, which are the leading cause of death amongst Canadian children. The annual national campaign is held in communities across Canada. “This year, the health unit is partnering with local bicycle retailers to provide purchasers of new bicycles with cycling safety information. Additional cycling safety resources are available online at http://hpepublichealth.ca/healthy-living/injury-prevention,” says Cindy Kirkpatrick, a public health nurse with Hastings Prince Edward Public Health.
The best ways to prevent cycling injuries are:
- Protect Your Head; Wear a Helmet A properly fitted and correctly worn bike helmet can make a dramatic difference, cutting the risk of serious head injury by up to 80%.
- Check Your Ride Ensure bikes are adjusted to the recommended height for the rider, tires are inflated, and brakes are working properly.
- Be Prepared Get trained in bicycle safety and rules of the road, use appropriate hand signals, and obey all traffic signs.
- Pick Family-Friendly Routes Use designated areas for riding when available.
- Ride in Well-Lit Areas Be sure your bike has reflectors and lights if planning to ride in low-lit areas.
- Pick the Right Side of the Road Tell your kids to ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction that traffic is going, and to stay as far right as possible.
- Use Your Bell Ensure your bike is equipped with a bell to announce when passing. If not, use your voice!
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) operates one of 36 health units across Ontario. HPEPH provides dozens of programs and services, along with reliable health information, to a population of approximately 150,000 people in a 7,000 square km catchment area encompassing 17 municipalities. HPEPH’s mission is to enable the people in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties to achieve and maintain optimal health through health protection and promotion, as well as disease and injury prevention. For more information, please visit www.hpepublichealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
About Parachute
Parachute is dedicated to preventing injuries and saving lives. A national charity, Parachute officially formed in July 2012, when the former Safe Communities Canada, Safe Kids Canada, SMARTRISK and ThinkFirst Canada joined together to become one leader in injury prevention. Parachute’s injury prevention solutions, knowledge mobilization, public policy, and social awareness efforts are designed to help keep Canadians safe. Parachute’s vision is an injury-free Canada with Canadians living long lives to the fullest. For information, visit us at www.parachutecanada.org, follow us on twitter, or join us on Facebook.
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For information:
Cindy Kirkpatrick, RN
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
613 966-5500 ext. 336
ckirkpatrick@hpeph.ca
George James
Parachute
647 776-5125 (w)
416 402-3783 (c)
gjames@parachutecanada.org