Ride Cool cruises back to Hannibal with $6,000 grant from Riedel Foundation

HANNIBAL, Mo. — With a $6,000 grant from the Riedel Foundation, any Hannibal child in need of a bicycle helmet who attends this year’s Ride Cool event will receive one free of charge.

Ride Cool is an annual event that educates children and their parents about the importance of bicycle safety, especially the use of helmets to prevent serious injuries. It will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 31, outside the Blessing Health Hannibal Clinic. It is supported by Blessing Hospital and organized and staffed by a group of volunteers, including physicians, healthcare workers, community organizations and businesses.

The event promotes safe physical activity and play. Organizers expect about 250 people to attend.

In a press release, Dr. Susan Meidl, who chairs the Ride Cool committee, said, “Without this program, some children would not have access to good-quality, properly fitted helmets. This program also reduces the risk of serious injuries in children related to bike riding by focusing on bicycle safety.”

Studies show wearing a helmet can reduce fatal and non-fatal head and face injuries for bicyclists, yet only 45 percent of youths always wear a helmet.

The Riedel Foundation has supported Ride Cool for more than 20 years, with its portion of funding helping to supply about 2,000 helmets.