BUFFALO, N.Y. — School's out for the summer, which means kids are trading hallways for bike paths.
Sage Bertini knows how to stay safe on her wheels.
"Wear a helmet so your head doesn't get a boo boo."
But a new study shows kids aren't following that rule.
Nationwide Children’s Hospital released data Monday showing that more than 72 percent of children who ended up in emergency departments across the country weren't wearing a helmet.
"Anything that involves a head injury with a change in mental status, then that child needs to be evaluated for a possible concussion," said pediatrician Dr. Steven Lana.
The study showed that helmets reduced the likelihood of head and neck injuries.
That's why doctors and cyclists alike say it's important to model good habits for kids.
"I used to never wear a helmet, but my daughter said, 'Dad why do I have to wear a helmet and you don't?’ So that encouraged me to start wearing my helmet every day," said Justin Booth, GoBike Buffalo’s executive director.
"It's really important to wear a helmet,” adds Jonathan Piret, a Recycle-a-Bike instructor. “It's not the be-all and end-all. It's not the golden ticket, but it prevents catastrophe."
The study shows that across the country, 25 children each hour end up in emergency departments with bike related injuries. That's more than 600 kids a day.
Area cyclists say they’re doing a lot to try to help keep kids safe on two wheels, including hosting education programs focusing on things like wearing their helmets and knowing the rules of the road, but they say more still needs to be done.
"We have programs in up to 20 schools and other community centers, not only teaching kids how to repair and fix their bicycles, but how to properly ride in the street,” Booth said. “We're having an impact on over 1,000 kids a year, but there are more than 30,000 kids in the city school district.”
For families that can’t afford helmets for their children, there are several events throughout the year to give them away. More information is available on GoBike Buffalo’s website.