Councilman David G. Greenfield is partnering with the NYC Department of Transportation to host his fifth free bike helmet fitting and giveaway this Sunday in Boro Park. The event is open to the public, with helmets available for all ages, including children and adults. All you need to do is stop by the sitting area of Gravesend Park between noon and 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 8th in order to receive a free helmet on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

“Bike riding is a fun and healthy activity for children and adults alike. All cyclists should wear a helmet to reduce the risk of serious injury, and it is especially important that every child and teenager has a quality helmet that has been properly fitted for them. That’s why I am proud to partner with the DOT to distribute hundreds of free helmets to our community and to encourage safe cycling,” said Councilman Greenfield, who is sponsoring this event.

Councilman Greenfield has long encouraged the use of bike helmets on a citywide basis, especially with so many casual riders and new bike commuters taking advantage of bike sharing. According to the DOT, bike riding has more than doubled in New York City since 2007. At the same time, as a result of infrastructure improvements and safety initiatives including helmet giveaways, the rate of serious injuries and fatalities among commuter bike riders has dropped by 75 percent over the past decade. Helmets have been shown to reduce the chance of death or serious injury in a bicycle accident by 85 percent. Meanwhile, more than 90 percent of cyclists who were killed while riding a bike were not wearing a helmet at the time of their accident.

On Sunday, DOT officials will be on hand with hundreds of free helmets and will properly adjust each to ensure a proper fit for each individual who takes advantage of this great program. The event will be held at Gravesend Park, which is located between 18th Avenue and 19th Avenue and between 55th Street and 58th Street in Brooklyn.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive as early as possible to help ensure that a helmet will be available. Children under the age of 18 should bring a parent or legal guardian who can provide permission for their child to receive a helmet. For more information, please contact Councilman Greenfield’s office at (718) 853-2704.

(YWN Desk – NYC)