MINEOLA, NY – Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and County Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein have launched Nassau County’s Child Safe Summer initiative, a multimedia awareness campaign for summer safety concerns. Bicycle safety is a major concern during the summer. It is estimated that 75 percent of bicycle-related fatalities among children could be prevented with a bicycle helmet. County Executive Curran and Health Commissioner Dr. Eisenstein stress the importance of bicycle safety. The new website nassaucountyny.gov/ChildSafeSummer, provides the latest safe summer health updates, advice, alerts and information.
“I encourage everyone to enjoy the outdoors by going for a bicycle ride but please make sure you ride responsibly,” said County Executive Curran. “Always wear a properly fitted helmet, obey the rules of the road, pay attention to your surroundings and avoid distractions.”
“Riding a bicycle is great way for children to exercise and have fun,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Eisenstein. “Before heading out on their bicycles, I urge parents and children to review safety tips and always wear a helmet.”
County Executive Curran suggests following the tips below to help kids stay safe this summer and all year long. For more information, please visit: nassaucountyny.gov/ChildSafeSummer.
BIKE SAFETY TIPS
- Always wear a helmet
- Make sure the helmet is properly fitted and being worn correctly
- Be alert to oncoming traffic and avoid busy streets
- Always have your child wear bright colors and reflective clothing when riding so they are easily seen by drivers and pedestrians.
- Be sure to give your child’s bike a routine tune-up and make sure the chains, gears, handlebars, brakes and wheels are in working order to ensure the bicycle is safe to ride.
- Pay attention. Don’t text or wear headphones/ earbuds.
- Always follow the rules of the road and stop at all intersections and crosswalks.