I sent the following letter to the President of Lime Bicycle Sharing asking that helmets be attached to bicycles that Lime rents as part of their bicycle sharing program.
Many cyclists ride around busy roads on their Lime bicycles every day.Most don’t wear helmets. If a cyclist falls off a bicycle and is not riding with a helmet it could be life threatening. This suggestion will definitely save lives if it is implemented.
PAUL FEINER
May 7, 2019
Toby Sun, Co-Founder and CEO
Lime Bicycle Company
2121 S El Camino Real Ste. B100
San Mateo, CA 94403-1861
Dear Mr. Sun,
I am an avid bicyclist. I am pleased that Lime has expanded your bicycle sharing program to Westchester County, NY - including White Plains and Yonkers. I see your ecofriendly green bicycles all over Greenburgh. These bicycles are popular and enable people to rent a bike by smart phones.
Although I am thrilled that more people are cycling around Westchester and using the bicycle as a means to get to work, I have a major concern: almost everyone who rides a Lime bicycle doesn't wear a helmet. Cycling, especially in cities with lots of traffic, could be dangerous. Earlier this year I read that there has been a spike in bicyclist injury and traffic deaths in NYC this year.
Many cyclists can avoid serious head injuries if they wear a helmet. I am wondering if it would be possible to attach an adjustable helmet on the bikes. Are there methods to prevent helmets from leaving bicycles? Regarding sanitary issues, helmets can include sanitary hair nets to make sure lice and other hair bacteria aren’t transmitted. Is technology available so riders can't ride without a helmet?
Over the years I have met cyclists or family members of cyclists who suffered traumatic brain injuries as a result of not wearing a helmet. Since many of your cyclists bike in cities in Westchester where it's more dangerous, a helmet is even more important.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Paul J. Feiner
Town Supervisor
PJF:ca
