County Legislator Salvatore B. Pontillo is reminding residents that using bike helmets saves lives. "In Nassau County over 100 of our children are hospitalized each year because of bicycle injuries. Many more are treated in hospital emergency rooms and doctors offices," said Pontillo. "In the United States if everyone wore bicycle helmets, there would be one less death every day and one less brain injury every four minutes."

New York State Law requires all children under the age of 14 to wear an approved helmet while bicycling, skateboarding and in-line skating. Additionally, Nassau County requires children under the age of 14 to wear a helmet when using foot powered scooters and skateboards. Helmets are not just for children. Serious injuries can happen to persons of any age. A 20 mph bike crash has the same force as a fall from the third story of a building.

"Safety begins at home. By setting a good example and insisting that children wear their helmets, this summer and all year round will be safe," concluded Pontillo.