Nationally, bicycle-related accidents account for about 900 deaths and half a million injuries a year. Many of the deaths are from head injuries that might have been prevented if the rider had been wearing a helmet. Seventeen states, the District of Columbia, and numerous localities have enacted bicycle helmet laws, mostly for young riders. Indiana doesn't have one, but helmet usage appears to be on the rise, thanks in part to rider education and safety programs, bicycle rodeos and cheaper helmets. A bike safety helmet class, sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Police Wayne Lodge No. 14, has been teaching children and young teen-agers how to ride safely for the last four years.
Deputies also inspect bikes on request and pass out free helmets and T-shirts.
More than 2,000 helmets have been distributed by the FOP since the program started in 1998. The number of scooter-related injuries is expected to rise dramatically, adding to the already high number of injuries people receive while riding bicycles. Statistics kept by Parkview's Level II Trauma Center registry show that 315 people were injured in bike accidents last year locally. So far this year, there have been 31 injured on bikes, and 35 involving roller skates, scooters and skateboards. Parkview puts on bike safety presentations throughout the school year and summer, and it does helmet fittings from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays at its Super Shot Clinic.