The Department of Transportation and Public Works, in partnership with the PEI Bike Helmet Coalition, wrapped up their public education campaign on bike helmet safety for the school year on the weekend with the conclusion of its Helmet Safety Quiz Contest.
A total of 437 Island students from 31 schools and kindergartens went online over the last few weeks to take the Helmet Safety Quiz on the Coool Pedal Gang website. By answering questions on proper helmet safety practices their name was entered into a draw for a number of prizes supplied by Smooth Cycle such as water bottles, pads, and helmets. The grand prize winners received a new bike. In total, 30 winners were selected from across the Island and they will be able to pick up their prize at the nearest Access PEI site.
"My department is very pleased with the strong response to the Coool Pedal Gang from across the province. By teaming up with the PEI Bike Helmet Coalition we have been able to be much more effective in getting out our message. Namely, that proper helmet use contributes to the safe enjoyment of outdoor activities like biking and rollerblading," said Transportation and Public Works Minister Don MacKinnon.
As part of the Coool Pedal Gang project, staff from Transportation and Public Works conducted information sessions and bike rodeos in conjunction with the RCMP at 9 schools and kindergartens from Fortune to Ellerslie involving hundreds of students. Students received hands-on instruction in the importance and proper use of bike helmets along with other safety tips.
Additionally, the Coool Pedal Gang website won the June Traffic Safety Award from the Canadian Association of Road Safety Professionals. Each month the association recognizes a Canadian Web site for posting useful traffic safety information and having good site design. The Coool Pedal Gang was also featured in a recent episode of Island Focus that can be viewed on the department webpage.
"We've been pleased with the cooperation that we've received from government, police, schools, businesses like Canadian Tire and the public in general," said Camilla McAleer from the PEI Bike Helmet Coalition. "The Coalition's goal is to encourage the use of properly fitted helmets thereby reducing the incidence of head injuries. Partnering in projects like the Coool Pedal Gang helps us meet this goal."
The Coool Pedal Gang project is a co-operative partnership of the Department of Transportation and Public Works and the PEI Bike Helmet Coalition, a community group including membership from the PEI Medical Society; Public Health Nursing; the PEI Council of the Disabled; the PEI Home and School Association; the Charlottetown Police Department; the RCMP; Neil's Ambulance; and numerous sports retailers. Program materials and the website were developed by Media Concepts and Graphic Communications.
To learn more about the Coool Pedal Gang you can check out the website at www.cooolpedalgang.com or access a link from the government website at www.gov.pe.ca.