Citation

Liller KD, Kent EB, Knowles A, McDermott RJ. J. Health Educ. 1995; 26(3): 173-177.

Affiliation

College of Public Health, Department of Community and Family Health , University of South Florida , Tampa , FL , 33612 , USA

Copyright

(Copyright © 1995, American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance)

DOI

10.1080/10556699.1995.10603090

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Florida has the highest bicycle fatality rate in the country, over two times the national rate. Research shows that most bicycle injuries occur to children under the age of 15. Bicycle helmet use has been shown to reduce the risk of head and brain injuries related to bicycle incidents.

In response to this public health problem, a community-wide and preschool bicycle helmet program was developed and implemented in Hillsborough County, Florida. Purposes of this program were to increase awareness about the importance of bicycle helmets for children and to offer children's bicycle helmets at a reduced cost. A local retail toy store provided a $3.00 discount on all bicycle helmets sold from November 1st to December 31st, 1992. In all, nearly 23,000 educational materials were distributed and 244 bicycle helmets were purchased. Recommendations for further program development and research are provided.

Language: en