05/07/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/07/2024 10:13
For this week's "Tuesday's Tips," the New York Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection is reminding New Yorkers of all ages of the importance of wearing a helmet when riding a bike. May is National Bike Safety Month, and as the weather begins to get warmer and individuals have more opportunities for outdoor activities, New Yorkers are urged to make safety a priority by wearing helmets, which will reduce the risk of severe head injury and save lives.
"New Yorkers are always on the move. Whether for transportation or for recreation, wearing a helmet is one of the most effective ways a cyclist of any age can reduce the risk of serious injury," said New York Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. "The NYS Division of Consumer Protection encourages all New Yorkers to bike safely by wearing and buckling a properly fitted helmet.
DMV Commissioner and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder said, "Wearing a helmet is the best way to protect yourself when you are riding a bicycle. No matter how short or long a ride you are taking, whether it is along one of New York's beautiful bike paths, on a roadway commuting to work, or simply riding around your neighborhood, always wear your helmet and protect your head from the risk of a serious head injury."
NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, "New York State offers exceptional trails and landscapes for bicycling adventures of all kinds. I encourage New Yorkers to safely enjoy these adventures by always wearing a helmet, staying alert and riding smart."
Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, "With cycling tours and events, the longest multi-use trail in the United States, and other scenic byways traversing the state, New York is a great destination for those who love to bike as part of their vacation. Doing so safely is imperative, so I LOVE NY encourages cyclists to experience the state with properly worn helmets and following the rules of the road so that they can see for themselves just how easy it is to love New York State."
In New York State in 2022, there were 7,523 bicycle crashes and 50 fatalities. In more than half of these crashes, the bicyclist was not wearing a helmet. Twenty-eight of those bicyclists who were killed were not wearing proper headgear.
Stay Safe by Choosing and Wearing Helmets Safely:
More details and tips from the CPSC are available here.
Ride Responsibly:
Explore New York's Bicycle Trails:
Learn more about New York State's Bicycle Trails. New York State has a wide variety of cycling opportunities and information available for New Yorkers. Learn more about our state's extensive network of both on- and off-road bicycle facilities and educational resources.
About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides resources and education materials to consumers on product safety, as well as voluntary mediation services between consumers and businesses. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.For more consumer protection tips, follow the Division on social media at Twitter: @NYSConsumer and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.rious injury.
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