A Central Alberta campaign to increase helmet use on trails made a quick stop in Red Deer on Wednesday.
Safe Communities Central Alberta and community partners — including Primary Care Network, City of Red Deer and Alberta Health Services — handed out brand new helmets as well as LED rear lights to cyclists riding on trails east of Bower Place shopping mall.
Since 2010, the coalition has been promoting its Bike, Walk and Roll Safety program.
Richard Hornby, executive director of Safe Communities Central Alberta, said they want to drive home how important it is to wear the gear, be visible and follow the rules.
“We’re trying to prevent injuries,” said Hornby.
The coalition has injected money towards the campaign. It bought 1,600 helmets and has already given out about half of them in school programs and in public blitzes like this one. It also gives out lights, which can even be put on collars of dogs when owners take their pooches for a nightly walk.
Jane Holmes and her grandsons — William Rooks, 10, and younger brother Reggie — dropped by when they heard of the campaign on the radio.
“I think they’re trying to help people be safer on the road,” said William after accepting a light for his bike.
Holmes said she had just bought a bike from a pawn shop.
“I am just beginning to ride after a million years,” she said, smiling. “I rode over here and I didn’t have a helmet.”
Holmes left with a shiny, red helmet.
Bob Dixon, senior patrol officer for Red Deer County, and Randy Smith, operational enforcement officer for the City of Red Deer, said children under 16 can be ticketed under provincial law for not wearing a helmet.
The fine is $57.
“Tickets are an option, so it’s not our choice to do that first,” said Dixon, adding he hasn’t handed out a ticket this summer.
Smith said he’s seeing more and more children wearing helmets around town. It’s the parents that need to follow suit, he added.
“They need to be a good example,” he said.
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com