Blue Ridge Conservancy and the Middle Fork Greenway partnered with Western Youth Network to distribute helmets to local youth through a grant from NCDOT’s Bicycle Helmet Initiative. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​BRC and MFG staff visited WYN’s after school program last week, handing out a total of 50 helmets and assisting with fitting and safety education.

Since 2007, the Bicycle Helmet Initiative has equipped thousands of children with a​ helmet – a simple and essential means of reducing bicyclist injuries and fatalities. Funded by proceeds from North Carolina's "Share the Road" specialty license plate, the program distributes helmets to government and non-government agencies. BRC was one of 261 organizations across the state awarded a total of 20,000 helmets in 2022, a record number for the Bicycle Helmet Initiative.

Now in its 36th year, WYN is a Boone-based nonprofit with a mission to nurture and empower children so they live healthy, engaged, and fulfilled lives. As part of this mission, WYN brings middle school youth to learn and grow in the critical after school hours. To learn more about WYN’s work: https://www.westernyouthnetwork.org/

To learn more about the NCDOT Bicycle Helmet Initiative and access safety resources: https://www.ncdot.gov/initiatives-policies/safety/bicycle-helmets/Pages/default.aspx