Councilman David G. Greenfield and NYS Senator Simcha Felder are partnering with the NYC Department of Transportation to host another free bike helmet fitting and giveaway this Sunday at Friends Field in Midwood. 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 Friends Field between noon and 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 26 in order to receive a free helmet on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Additionally, from noon to 2 p.m., the New York Knicks’ “Street Team” will make an appearance in their famous Groove Truck! The Groove Truck is equipped with a variety of interactive activities: Kids can take some jump shots on any of the three basketball hoops or even play the latest NBA video games on one of the truck’s two big screen televisions. Other activities include music, giveaways, and appearances by Knicks alumni.

“Riding a bike is a great way to have fun and get exercise while you do it. Everyone who rides a bike should also wear a helmet for safety, 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.

“Accidents are sometimes unavoidable. That’s why wearing a bike helmet is a must. Not only is it the sensible thing to do, it’s also the law,” said Sen. Simcha Felder. “I am delighted to join Councilman Greenfield in sponsoring and distributing bike helmets. Let’s all take a moment to have a serious conversation with our children about bike safety so they can avoid serious bike-related injuries.”

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 Friends Field, which is located at East 4th Street and Avenue L 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. The event will end promptly at 3:30 and there are a limited number of helmets available. For more information, contact Councilman Greenfield’s office at (718) 853-2704.

(YWN Desk – NYC)