Henry Peneno Pedals for Progress Used Bicycle Collection

Posted by Todd Malkin 
on Apr 04, 2016
 
Fair Lawn Rotarians would like to thank members of the Fair Lawn Police Department for their assistance at the April 3rd Henry Peneno Pedals for Progress Used Bicycle Collection.  This year Fair Lawn Rotarians partnered with the Fair Lawn Police Department in this event which for the first time included a free bicycle check-up to ensure that everyone’s ride is ready for the season.  Officers ran a thorough check of all of the components of each bicycle to ensure that brakes are up to par, chains are properly lubricated, and that handle bars and seats are properly adjusted for the rider.
 
Also new this year was the kick-off of Club’s newly expanded Hooray for Helmets Bicycle Safety Program.  For 2016 we are continuing our partnership with the FLPD and the Glen Rock Police Department in the distribution of coupons for ice cream at local ice cream and frozen yogurt parlors.  This year’s expansion of this important safety program includes the distribution of helmets to children and adults found riding without this important safety device.  The Rotary Club of Fair Lawn will be supplying helmets to both Departments to encourage children and parents to take an important safety step and ride with a helmet on at all times. 
 
FLPD lending a big hand
 
 
Bryan Hicks and some of the helmets ready for distribution
 
 
 
 

Fair Lawn Rotarians take bicycle safety very important.  Highlights of US statistics available from the US Department of Transportation: Traffic Safety Facts - 2013 Data (released in May and June, 2015 and still the most recent).

  • 743 bicyclists died on US roads in 2013 (734 in 2012, 682 in 2011. 1,003 back in 1975)
  • 48,000 bicyclists were injured in traffic 1n 2013, down from 49,000 in 2012 (52,000 in 2010)
  • Bicyclists 14 and under killed in 2013: 48(13% of total). Injured: 66,017 (23%)
  • Bicyclist deaths represented 2.3% of all 2013 traffic fatalities. (2.1% in 2011)
  • Average age of a bicyclist killed on US roads: 44 (36 in 2002)
  • Average age of a bicyclist injured on US roads: 32 (28 in 2002)
  • Males killed 87%. Males injured 83%.
  • Nearly one fifth (23%) of the cyclists killed were drunk. (Blood alcohol over .08 g/dl)
  • Fatal crashes typically were urban (68%) and not at intersections (66%).
 
In a majority of bicyclist deaths, the most serious injuries are to the head, highlighting the importance of wearing a bicycle helmet. Helmet use has been estimated to reduce head injury risk by 85 percent.  Helmets are important for riders of all ages, not just young bicyclists. Eighty-four percent of bicycle deaths are persons 20 and older. During the past few years, no more than 17 percent of fatally injured bicyclists were wearing helmets.  New Jersey is one of twenty-one states and the District of Columbia to mandate the use of helmets by young riders.  New Jersey requires that riders under the age of 17 must wear a properly fitted helmet that meets the standards of Snell Memorial Foundation, the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM), or the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.
 
Fair Lawn Rotarians implore all riders of all ages to wear a properly fitting bicycle helmet at all times, regardless of riding on a bike path, in a park, on our local roads, or even in the driveway.  It is up to you to ride safely and be prepared for any accident, remember, a helmet can save your life!
 
40 Used Bicycles were donated to help others around the world