The N.C. Department of Transportation is currently welcoming applications from organizations across the state interested in securing free bicycle helmets for children. This initiative, run by the department's Integrated Mobility Division, is an ongoing effort aimed at enhancing bicycling safety and diminishing the risk of head injuries among young riders.
As reported by the NCDOT, organizations that can apply include a wide range of entities such as local government agencies, schools, nonprofit groups, public health organizations, and churches. These organizations can request various quantities of helmets, options include 25, 50, 75, or 100 depending on their needs. Applications have been open since January 26th and must be submitted by February 20, through the NCDOT's Bicycle Helmet Initiative webpage.
"Wearing a helmet is an easy way to reduce the risk of head injuries when riding a bicycle," Brennon Fuqua, director of the Integrated Mobility Division, emphasized the program's mission, as per the NCDOT. Helmets are scheduled for distribution in spring, strategically ahead of National Bike & Roll to School Day in May, aiming for maximum impact and awareness.
In the past five years alone, the Bike Helmet Initiative, which started in 2007, has reportedly provided over 85,000 free bike helmets to communities across North Carolina. The funding for this laudable initiative, stems from the sales of the N.C. "Share the Road" specialty license plate. The Integrated Mobility Division at NCDOT not only runs this program but also engages in various other projects and safety initiatives, details of which can be found on the NCDOT website.
