The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute has announced the 10th annual Bicycle Safety Week in Saskatchewan - 'Save Your Melon' - May 13 - 19.
This year the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute is proud to partner with Canadian Tire, the Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association, the Saskatchewan Rough-riders, WorkSafe Saskatchewan, and the SGI/ABI Community Grant Program to bring Saskatchewan residents a celebratory 10th annual Bicycle Safety Week.
Cycling is healthy and environmentally friendly activity that provides recreation and transportation for many Saskatchewan people.
Cycling is not without risks however, with brain injury and death being devastating results of cycling-related injuries. The citizens of Saskatchewan, like all Canadians, bear a significant financial burden associated with cycling-related injuries. The direct medical costs associated with brain injury and death due to cycling-related injuries exceeds $195 million per year in Canada. These injuries also enact an immeasurable toll in terms of pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life for the individuals injured and their families.
The good news is that these injuries are largely preventable. Cyclists need to respect the risks associated with cycling, which includes respecting the importance and fragility of their brain. By wearing a properly fit bicycle helmet, cyclists can reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85 percent.
'Save Your Melon': Wear a helmet on every wheeled ride. A helmet is useless if you do not use it. Be a positive role model and wear your helmet. Do not let a child cycle without a helmet.
The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute would like to take this opportunity to encourage support for safe cycling strategies and the prevention of bicycle-related injuries among Saskatchewan child cyclists. The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute, a provincial, non-profit organization has been working since 1980 to raise awareness and educate others about the prevention of disabling conditions in children.
For more information or if you would like to contact schools, community groups, or agencies in your community who are participating in Bicycle Safety Week, please contact the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute: Joelle Schaefer at (306) 655-2518 or (306) 260-0631.
