May 28, 2010 - Today, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit’s seventh annual Wear the Gear “Good Ticket” campaign was announced at the busy Macs Convenience Store location on Red River Road. From May 31 to June 11, Thunder Bay Police and crossing guards will be ticketing children found wearing appropriate safety gear while cycling, rollerblading, skateboarding or riding a scooter. Tickets are redeemable for a free milk or chocolate milk at any Thunder Bay Mac’s Convenience Store.
In 2004, when the “Good Ticket” campaign was developed by the Risk Watch Coalition (involving the Health Unit, Thunder Bay Police, Thunder Bay Fire & Rescue Service and Thunder Bay EMS) just over 200 tickets were distributed to children in 24 schools. Most of those tickets (57%) were given to children aged 6 to 10. Fewer than 30% were given to children aged 11 to 15 - an age group that often chooses not to wear their helmet.
However, in 2009, over 42% of the tickets distributed were given to children in that age group, showing a shift in the ages of children found wearing helmets. Marita Campbell of the Thunder Bay District Health Unit cites several reasons for this significant difference in the results
“There have been great improvements in the look and comfort of helmets, making it more likely that young people will make the safe choice,” says Campbell. “Strong partners allow for wider distribution of the tickets and the numerous Mac’s Convenience Stores locations allow children to easily obtain their prize.”
The program has also grown since 2004. Its partnership with crossing guards now extends the reach to 31 school areas. Campbell’s goal for this year is to have the program reach even farther and result in more than 500 tickets reimbursed before the June 30th deadline.
May 31st also marks the beginning of the national Safe Kids Week campaign. This year’s focus is “Got wheels? Get a helmet.”