Councilman David G. Greenfield is hosting a celebration of the 18th Avenue Park reopening this Sunday, and will be at the park giving out snacks and candy from noon to 3:30. Additionally, Greenfield is partnering with the NYC Department of Transportation to host his sixth free bike helmet fitting and giveaway at the park as well. The events are open to the public, and helmets will be available for all bicyclists of all ages, including children and adults. All you need to do is stop by the sitting area of the newly-renovated 18th Avenue Park between noon and 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 11th in order to receive a free helmet on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. This time, Greenfield will also be giving away free safety bells to attach to bicycles.

“Bike riding is a great way to get exercise and have fun, but safety should always come first,” Greenfield said. “All cyclists should wear a helmet to reduce the risk of serious injury, and the use of a bell can help alert pedestrians and drivers to your presence. That’s why I am proud to partner with the DOT to distribute hundreds of free helmets and bells to our community and to encourage safe cycling,” said Councilman Greenfield, who is sponsoring this event.

“Because this is the last giveaway of the summer, I want to encourage everyone who hasn’t had a chance to get a free custom-fitted helmet or bell to join me at the 18th Avenue Park on Sunday, September 11th,” Greenfield said. “Come and see the beautiful new improvements I’ve made to the park using the over $7 million I secured to add new playgrounds, seating areas, and more! I’ll be there, and I’ll be handing out free snacks for the kids!”

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 and/or bell 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. To receive a bell, you must bring your bicycle to the event so that a DOT representative can ensure it is properly and safely attached. For more information, please contact Councilman Greenfield’s office at (718) 853-2704.

(YWN Desk – NYC)