Enjoy a Safe and Happy Summer

 

Warmer weather means a return to wheeled activities for people of all ages.  Cycling, in-line skating, skateboarding and scooter-riding are all fun summer activities that children, youth, and the whole family can enjoy.  These activities are relatively inexpensive and are good sources of physical exercise, transportation and recreation.  As with any sport, however, there are risks involved.

Did you know…

• Wearing a certified helmet while cycling reduces the risk of brain injury by up to 85%
• Cyclists under 18 years of age are required by law to wear an approved bicycle helmet.   Parents and guardians of children aged 16 and under must make sure their children are wearing a helmet when on a bike.  For more information on cycling laws and safe cycling, visit Ontario Ministry of Transportation
• Head injury is the most serious type of harm resulting from in-line skating, skateboarding and scooter riding, but broken bones in the arm, hand or leg occur most often. Check out Summer Sports to learn how to fall more safely and reduce your chances of being seriously injured.

Thunder Bay Promotes Safety on Wheels

Thunder Bay youth get ticketed!

During the first week of May until the end of June, Thunder Bay Police, as partners in the Thunder Bay Risk Watch Coalition, will ticket children and youth seen “Wearing the Gear” while out riding their bikes, skateboards or scooters.  This is done annually as part of the Wear the Gear campaign. 

The tickets provide positive reinforcement to children and youth for making the safe choice.  Those receiving the ticket are entered into a draw for fabulous prizes.

Annual Bike Rodeo

Again this year, Thunder Bay Neighbourhood Police, with the support of many community partners, will be hosting its annual Bike Rodeo.  Children aged 4-10 visit stations that challenge their bicycle safety knowledge and skills.  They will visit helmet-fitting stations, receive a bike safety check and learn hands-on about safe cycling.

In 2006, this successful community event reached over 300 children. Watch for registration notices in the spring and come out to enjoy the fun.

The Right Helmet is important for ALL sports.

Find the safety information you need to know about specific Summer Sports

Resources for Parents

Injury Prevention and Safety

Learn How Children See Traffic

Canadian Health Network - Injury Prevention (Bilingual) Provides information on safety issues such as poison control, water safety, and motor vehicle injury prevention

Child and Youth Injury Prevention Centre: Plan-It Safe  (Bilingual) Provides links to various safety issues including helmets, choking and suffocation prevention.

Safe Canada (Bilingual) Provides resources for various safety and injury prevention topics including: bullying, family and home safety, and workplace safety

Safe Canada - Parents (Bilingual) Provides safety and injury prevention information on a wide variety of topics

Thunder Bay Safe Communities  A local coalition working toward making our community a safe place to live, work, and play

Safe, Healthy Environments for Children (Bilingual) A Public Health Agency of Canada website created especially for kids

Safe Kids Canada  Advice and suggestions on how to prevent childhood injuries

Health Canada - Road Safety (Bilingual) Gives information on various aspects of road safety including cell phones and driving, drinking & driving, and safe snowmobiling

Public Health Agency of Canada  Action Hero Game:  teaches kids injury prevention through an online computer game

Information on Bullying for Parents and Teachers  Information on the nature and effects of bullying

Canadian Red Cross  General information on water safety and links to programs available through the Canadian Red Cross