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Applications open for NCDOT Bicycle Helmet Initiative

POLK COUNTY—The North Carolina Department of Transportation has opened applications for its annual Bicycle Helmet Initiative. 

The annual program gives away free bicycle helmets to reduce bicycle injuries and deaths across the state. 

The initiative began in 2007 and is overseen by the Integrated Mobility Division. The program has provided thousands of helmets to children, including providing more than 30,000 helmets in the last 5 years. 

NCDOT officials said less than half of all children typically wear a helmet while biking, but wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of severe brain injury by almost 90 percent. 

Applications are available and must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Feb. 4. Applicants may request 25, 50, 75 or 100 helmets, with awards of the helmets received by April 29. 

Applicants are encouraged to partner with agencies to host bike safety events, such as partnering with police, fire, recreation and health departments or community centers and churches. 

The initiative is made possible through sales of the Share the Road specialty license plates. 

For more information or to download the application people can visit the NCDOT Bicycle Helmet Initiative webpage.