Local business promotes bicycle safety

Tanya Berkebile | Cadillac News Cheryl Harbey of Mackinaw Trail Pediatrics in Cadillac demonstrates how to correctly fit a new bicycle helmet on 6-year-old Madison Hoffman of Lake City. Staff at Mackinaw Trail Pediatrics participate in a program that promotes bike safety.

CADILLAC — Whenever sisters Emily and Madison Hoffman take their bikes for a ride around Lake City, they never leave home without their bicycle helmets.

The girls, 9 and 7 years old respectively, said they would never think to get on their bikes without a helmet.

“It is always good to wear a helmet so you don’t hurt your head,” said Madison.

Because the girls are growing, Madison’s helmet didn’t quite fit the way it should. She had no problem getting a new helmet through a bike safety program sponsored by Mackinaw Trail Pediatrics.

“It is so important for children to wear helmets whether they are on a bike, skateboard, in-line skates or skis,” said Mary Blackmer, RN and FNP at Mackinaw Trail Pediatrics. “You never know what will happen when you are on a bike, so everyone should wear a helmet to stay healthy.”

When children visit Mackinaw Trail Pediatrics for an appointment, nurses or other attendees make it a point to talk to them about safety. They even welcome children to bring in their helmets so staff can make sure they fit correctly.

After fitting Madison with her new blue helmet, Blackmer made sure she knew how to put the helmet on herself, as well. When asked how often she wears her bike helmet, with no hesitation, Madison answered “all the time.” And with her new helmet, she plans to change it’s look more to her taste.

“I have some new stickers I am going to put on it,” she said.

When buying a bike helmet for a child parents should keep the following ideas in mind. Choose a helmet with bright colors that are visible to drivers and look for a helmet that is well ventilated. Helmets that have a CPSC or Snell sticker on the inside indicate it meets the standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission or the Snell Memorial Foundation, which is an non-profit group that tests helmet safety.

Lastly, parents need to check and make sure the helmet fits correctly, otherwise it won’t work the way it should. Not only should the helmet fit the child’s head, but the straps should fasten snugly to the body.

“If a parent isn’t sure if it is the correct fit, bring it in and we will look at it,” Blackmer said.

tberkebile@cadillacnews.com | 775-NEWS (6397)