Skip to Search Skip to Live Player Skip to Content Skip to Footer

NCCOT Offering Free Kids Bike Helmets And You Can Get One

Author Melany Myers
Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for 21st Century Fox

As a kid in the 1970’s and 1980’s, bike helmets were not a thing. THAT said, I’ve had a few concussions, so I understand the need for them! Especially now with people not paying attention while driving or even walking! I’ve almost run into someone because they had their head buried in their cell phone. Ugh! If your child or grandchild is in need of a bicycle helmet, the North Carolina Department of Transportation is giving them away for free.

According to WCNC, their annual giveaway of free helmets to kids in need is happening now. All you have to do is go online and organizations can apply for some. If you’re a individual who would like one, contact a nonprofit organization in your area. Obviously wearing helmets can reduce the risk of head injuries while riding a bike.

When I was 13, hanging out with my friends, a buddy rolled up on his moped. In the 80’s no one ever wore a helmet. Brave and dumb me wanted to go riding, so he let me. NEVER been on a moped in my life! He showed me the brake, I hopped on, and ran that thing over a curb and into a brick wall. Knocked me out cold! That was my first concussion. I was luck though! I hit the brick in between two businesses. I could have gone through glass! My parents had to pay to fix my buddies moped and they were not thrilled. Last time I went riding!

How To Get Free Helmets

For over a decade, NCDOT is increasing bike safety in communities throughout our state. Over 66,000 free bike helmets have been given to children. Organizations can apply now and get 25, 50, 75, or 100 helmets. They’ll be handing them out ahead of National Bike/Walk to School Day which is in May. Local organizations, partnering with city agencies or nonprofits in the area, will be distributing them during bike safety events.

You can apply until February 9 and all the info is here. 

These North Carolina Cities are the Best Places to Ride Your Bike

It would be great if I could get a bike! I just rode my brother’s bike around town with my brother in NJ. I had a blast. Despite rising gas prices, cycling has surged in popularity, but which U.S. cities are best for cyclists?

I would love to get a bike here in North Carolina. We are blessed to have so many amazing greenways and parks to enjoy a bike ride. LawnStarter ranked the U.S.’s Best Biking Cities for 2022 on June 3 in celebration of World Bicycle Day. The 200 largest U.S. cities were compared based on 24 key indicators of a cyclist-friendly lifestyle.

It took into account access to bike lanes and rental bikes, the share of commuters who bike, the presence of cycling clubs, and the number of bicycle races and tours. Here are the best North Carolina cities for biking. We included all of them from worst to best. We have also included some nearby cities for two-wheelers.

These rankings are out of 200 cities total:

  • 197. Murfreesboro, TN

  • 194. Hollywood, FL

  • 193. Chesapeake, VA

  • 171. Augusta, GA

  • 169. Fayetteville, NC

    These North Carolina Cities are the Best Places to Ride Your Bike

  • 150. Columbus, GA

  • 147. Cary, NC

  • 107. Memphis, TN

  • 105. Chattanooga, TN

  • 100. Savannah, GA

  • 89. Macon, GA

  • 72. Greensboro, NC

  • 71. Winston-Salem, NC

  • 60. Raleigh, NC

  • 44. Atlanta, GA

  • 34. Charlotte, NC

  • 30. Durham, NC

  • 1. San Francisco, CA

    You might wonder why a city defined by its steep hills could be the best city for avid cyclists, but it’s those challenging inclines that help bikers develop strong endurance — and legs. That and San Francisco simply has a lot going for it: The city coasted through just about every category but owes its win, particularly to Access and Climate. San Francisco swept four out of six Access metrics, and among our best 10 cycling cities, only the Golden City managed to rank in the top 25% in Climate. Weather matters when you’re out in bike shorts — that’s how otherwise great biking cities lost the race again to San Francisco in our ranking.

Melany Myers is a Gastonia native and has spent most of her life here in North Carolina. Mel has worked in radio for over 20 years, many of which she spent co-hosting morning shows in Charlotte, NC, and Columbia, SC. Mel loves 80’s music, going to concerts, cooking, and eating! She is always writing about random news stories that really make you wonder, “what in the world?!” She also writes about rock music and human-interest content.

Get The K Files Newsletter Delivered Directly To Your Inbox

You'll be in the know on music and entertainment news, exclusive giveaways, and what's happening in right here in Charlotte.

*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.
Author Melany Myers
Category:

More Local

Load More