Timmins Police and partners launched their annual summer Helmets On Campaign Thursday at Timmins Neo Laser Tag on Algonquin Blvd. E.
It is the twelfth summer that Timmins Police Service is handing out ‘tickets’ to local youth and adults to reward bike riders for wearing helmets.
Partners in the Helmets On program include the Porcupine Health Unit and Seizure and Brain Injury Centre and the City of Timmins..
The Helmets On campaign encourages cyclists of all ages to wear their bike helmets,” said Officer Rick Lemieux.
Also participating at the launch were community sponsors Neo Laser Tag, James Used, Mini-Putt Hollinger, and the City of Timmins.
“When the officers see kids doing the right thing, and wearing their helmets while riding their bike, they will stop and give them a choice of a mini-putt pass, laser tag pass, and a couple of other activities such as Sportsplex passes for the swimming pool,” said Don Marcoux of Mini-Putt Hollinger.
Adults who wear their helmets can be rewarded with a free car detailing at James Used.
“I actually stopped off this morning at the skate park in South Porcupine and there were thirteen kids, and 12 were wearing helmets, only one wasn’t,” said Lemieux. “I gave out 12 passes, sent the other kid home to get his helmet, said I would be back next week and if he wore a helmet I will give him a pass as well.”
Jeffrey Denis and Ethan Denis two young bike riders were also on hand to remind young people about the importance of always wearing a helmet when riding a bike.
The Porcupine Health Unit is very keen on preventing injuries, and they provide instruction for bike riders on the importance of wearing helmets. They also provide advice on how to wear the helmet for maximum protection.
“We do bike rodeos for grade four students in the school, and we noticed that only 10 per cent of the helmets being used are safe with 47 per cent being safe after adjustment, but 43 per cent weren't safe at all,“ said Stephanie Gravel of PHU’s Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention.
“Also, the helmet should be two fingers above your eyebrows and the “V” of the straps should be just underneath your chin and you should fit only one finger between the chin and the strap,” advised Gravel.
Bike riders can call for advice or drop in at the Porcupine Health Unit on Pine St. South between Second and First Avenue.
“First, we ask that the person put on the helmet without buckling it and if it shakes around before it is tied up, it’s too big,” explained Gravel.
"The Highway Traffic Act states that all those 18 and under must wear helmets, if you are between 16 and 18 you will be ticketed and the fine is $75,” explained Officer Lemieux. “If you are younger the parent will be issued the ticket.”
Lemieux said the Highway Traffic Act requires people up to age 18 must wear helmets.
"We try and encourage everybody to do it," said Rick Lemieux of the Timmins Police Force. “It’s to protect yourself, and it sets an example for the younger children who see that teenagers and adults are wearing helmets and they should to.”
Neo Laser Tag owner Dan Daoust said he became involved because he is a bike rider and he would like to help kids be safe.
“It’s important to keep kids safe when riding their bikes, so when Rick Lemieux asked me to help out I immediately said yes,” Daoust said.
