Riedel Foundation awards $5,550 to fund Ride Cool bike safety event in June

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Every child in Hannibal who needs a bicycle helmet can get one free of charge thanks to a grant from the Riedel Foundation.

Riedel Trustees awarded $5,550 to Ride Cool 2024, an event that educates children about bicycle safety and provides free helmets to children who attend. Ride Cool is hosted by Hannibal Clinic Health Services.

In a press release, Dr. Susan Meidl with Blessing Health Hannibal, said, “We believe that without this program, some children would not have access to good quality, properly fitted bicycle helmets. We hope this program reduces the risk of serious injuries, while encouraging safe physical activity and play.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, children suffered more than 130,000 bicycle-associated injuries in the United States in 2020.

“We hope that parents bring young children to Ride Cool because we think that by putting them in helmets when they first start riding a scooter, skateboard or bike, it will become a habit they keep into adulthood,” Riedel trustee Michael Gaines said.

Ride Cool 2024 will take place on Saturday, June 1, at Blessing Health Hannibal. Participants also will get free shirts, treats, prizes and a chance to win one of two new bicycles. It’s free of charge to residents from Hannibal and surrounding communities.