March 28, 2012 (Winnipeg, MB) – The Sport Medicine and Science Council of Manitoba supports the Provinces’ decision to consider helmet legislation for cyclists. “Providing public education is one of the main focuses of the Sport Medicine and Science Council of Manitoba,” said Russ Horbal, President for the Sport Medicine and Science Council.

“With our helmet safety program we focus on education primarily to elementary school aged children. With the research that has been done, The Sport Medicine and Science Council believe Helmet legislation will reduce the number head injuries and deaths among cyclists without causing a decline in bike riding.”

For the past 15 years the Sport Medicine and Science Council of Manitoba (SMSCM) has been running a Helmet Safety campaign called “We Caught You Using Your Head.” The program provides rewards those individuals “caught” using a helmet as well as provides education to schools and community groups regarding the importance of wearing a helmet. The main goal of the program is to have all cyclists, skateboarders, in-line skaters wearing a helmet while participating in these activities. Each year we present to approximately 30 schools and reach a target audience of approximately 5000 students.

The SMSCM initiated this program to promote the usage of bicycle helmets and are extremely encouraged by the recent news of the Province of Manitoba considering helmet legislation.

The Sport Medicine and Science Council of Manitoba (SMSCM) is a cooperative forum of medical, paramedical and sport science provider groups organized to meet the needs of Manitoba’s sport, recreation and fitness communities. The SMSCM is a collaboration of 14 professional groups who meet on a regular basis.

For more information please contact:

Craig Baker
Executive Director
Sport Medicine and Science Council of Manitoba
(204) 925-5750
sport.med@sportmanitoba.ca
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