WISCONSIN — Wearing a helmet correctly while riding a bicycle can prevent more than 85% of head injuries in the event of a crash, according to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DMV).

The Helmet Hero program, run by Aspirus Health and Safe Kids Marathon County, is highlighting the importance of this as warmer weather brings more kids outdoors on bikes, scooters and more.

What You Need To Know

  • The Helmet Hero program, run by Aspirus Health and Safe Kids Marathon County, aims to reward kids for wearing helmet when they ride a scooter, bike or more

  • According to officials, less than half of kids ages 14 and younger wear helmets, yet wearing one can reduce the risk of head injuries by at least 45%

  • While the program is running, kids wearing their helmet while riding could get a free small cake cone at any Briq’s Soft Serve location

  • Officers from Wausau and Mountain Bay Metro Police Departments will be on the lookout, handing out the ice cream coupons to anyone they spot wearing a helmet

Its message is simple: “Be your own hero. Wear a helmet.”

“Nearly half of children hospitalized for bike-related injuries are diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury,” said Amanda Tabin, Safe Kids and injury prevention coordinator at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. “Yet less than half of kids ages 14 and younger wear helmets. Wearing one can reduce the risk of head injuries by at least 45 percent.” 

While the program is running, kids wearing their helmet while riding could get a free small cake cone at any Briq’s Soft Serve location.

“Our goal is to inspire kids to make safe choices so they can keep doing the things they love without getting hurt,” said Tabin. 

Officers from Wausau and Mountain Bay Metro Police Departments will be on the lookout, handing out the ice cream coupons to anyone they spot wearing a helmet.

“We love to see kids and families enjoying the outdoors on their bikes, scooters, and skateboards,” said Officer Jeff Zwicky with the Mountain Bay Metro Police Department. “Just like wearing seatbelts in a motor vehicle, making helmets part of your routine during wheeled sports helps keep everyone safe.” 

Aspirus Health said assuming that older kids and adults don’t need helmets once they become confident is a misconception and that anyone can get into a crash.

“Bike crashes can happen with riders of all skills and abilities, so it’s important for riders of all ages to wear a helmet on every ride,” said Lieutenant Nathan Pauls with the Wausau Police Department.

Aspirus Health said there are ways for families to get helmets if cost is a concern. It said to follow Safe Kids Marathon County on Facebook, where it will share updates on community events for free bike helmets.

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