It’s Summer. Time to go outside and enjoy the outdoors. Whether biking, swimming or participating in other activates or sports, Pilot Club with the BrainMinders Initiative reminds everyone to play safe and play smart, said Pilot Club of Great Bend member Rhonda Knudson. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s May 2023 report on fatalities states that each year, about 2% of motor vehicle crash deaths are bicyclists. Although child bicyclist deaths have declined over the years, deaths among bicyclists age 20 and older have quadrupled since 1975. In a majority of bicyclist deaths, the most serious injuries are to the head, highlighting the importance of wearing a bicycle helmet.

In support of the summer reading program at the Great Bend Public Library, the Pilot Club of Great Bend (known as  the “helmet people”) was joined by the BrainMinders Wise Old Owl for story time. Parents and children heard the message to play safe and smart and wear a helment when bike riding. The Pilot Club fitted and gave away dozens of helmets, with more yet to come. 

“The Great Bend Pilot Club wishes to thank Pilot International for the bike helmet grant they received and our community partners Safe Kids Kansas and Aetna in helping to provide grants and funds for bike helmets and for supporting our Pilot initiative BrainMinders – to protect your brain for life,” Knudson said. “Wearing your helmet when riding a bike at any age can save your brain.” 

To learn more about Pilot Club and its brain initiatives and programs, view its Facebook page or website at greatbendpilotclub.com, or contact the membership team at 620-793-4855.