Ohio Distributes 13,000 Free Bicycle Helmets Statewide

Ohio's 'Put A Lid On It' campaign is distributing 13,000 free bicycle helmets to children in 61 counties this summer, aiming to improve safety and reduce head injuries. The initiative, backed by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Honda Motor Company, partners with local organizations such as health departments, police and fire stations, and schools to distribute the helmets. Since 2011, over 100,000 helmets have been given to kids, alongside bike safety training and helmet fitting guidance. The campaign responds to concerning statistics: last year, Ohio saw 1,337 bicycle-related crashes, including 23 fatalities and 189 serious injuries. Despite the potential for helmets to reduce serious head injuries by up to 85%, only 10 to 20 percent of Ohio children regularly wear them. ODOT emphasizes that this campaign is part of broader efforts to promote safer biking and create lifelong safety habits among young riders.