SAFE CYCLING. SAFE ROADS. SAVE KIDS LIVES.
#safekidsweek
May 4-10, 2015
Ride Together!
Activity: “have a word with yourself” Helmet Initiative
About the “have a word with yourself” Helmet Initiative
For Parachute’s Safe Kids Week 2015: Safe Cycling. Safe Roads. Save Kids Lives, Parachute is pleased to
partner with Preventable to bring the “have a word with yourself’ Helmet Safety Campaign to communities
across Canada.
Using print and social media, along with ambient and impactful activities, Preventable’s innovative “have a
word with yourself” campaign reaches people in moments and places they could be at risk, and therefore most
receptive to key messages.
Cyclists come up with a lot of excuses for not wearing a helmet, yet wearing a helmet can prevent up to 80% of
brain injuries when used properly. In the “have a word with yourself” helmet initiative, impactful tactics are
used to raise awareness about cycling safety and provide an effective way for community outreach teams to
engage the public in discussion about their attitudes towards cycling safety and preventable injuries overall. How does it work?
Helmets (provided by your community) are attached to bike racks with the “have a word with yourself”
stickers (included in your kits). The helmets are placed on the bike racks where cyclists will most likely see
them. Outreach teams engage the public in discussions about their attitudes towards bike safety and draw the
connection to their overall attitudes towards preventable injuries. Just keep an eye on your helmets!
(Picture link: http://preventable.ca/guerrilla-helmets/) Parachute Safe Kids Week - Community Bike Ride and Bike Safety Clinic
I’m in! What’s next?
Step 1: Confirm interest at your organization, set date, and scout out a local location.
Pick a date that works for your group during Safe Kids Week, May 4-10, 2015.
We recommend placing the helmets along bike racks in your local area, but if you feel there is a better location,
you may choose that location.
When selecting location, remember you can use this campaign as a photo-op and talking opportunity with
media to speak on bike safety, helmet safety, and other injury prevention topics. Step 2: Place your order for a Community Toolkit through the Parachute website.
Go to www.parachutecanada.org/safekidsweek to order your kit. The kit will include:
- Preventable helmet stickers “Before you think you won’t need a helmet today, have a word with
yourself” (for marketing purposes) (10)
- Preventable postcards (10)
- A backgrounder and evidence-based key message
- An event and social media guide
- Helmet fitting 2V1 bookmarks (50)
- Safe Kids Week postcards (50)
- Clip on reflector/LED flashing light (10)
- Reflective safety vest (2 adult vests)
- Media advisory / media release template
Please note that the kits will cost $35, plus $10.00 shipping.
Please e-mail [email protected] for information. Step 3: Purchase additional items for your campaign
You will need to provide your own helmets for this campaign. Consider contacting a local store that carries
cycling equipment to see if they would be willing to donate helmets to you for the week. Step 4: Engage partners and local media
A media template, including advisory and release, will be shared electronically when you order your kit.
Confirm staff and volunteers to set up helmets and hand out postcards, and speak with the public on the
campaign. Step 5: Participate in the Kick Off Conference Call (April 27, 2015)
A campaign kick-off teleconference call will take place in the week prior to Safe Kids Week to discuss the
campaign, answer any FAQ, and review media training.
Staff and volunteers are welcome to participate. Dates will be confirmed with groups participating in the
Parachute Safe Kids Week - Community Bike Ride and Bike Safety Clinic
campaign.
Step 6: Have your helmet campaign!
Take pictures and share via social media. #SafeKidsWeek
Engage with the public to share the messages around bike safety, helmet safety, road safety, and other ways to
prevent injuries in your communities!
Make sure to share your plans with us via [email protected]. This will allow us to support
your efforts and share your event through our social media channels. See our Social Media Guide, available to
download at www.parachutecanada.org/safekidsweek for guidelines and suggestions around social media.
Don’t forget to use the hashtag #SafeKidsWeek!
Any questions or if you need some guidance, please feel free to contact [email protected].
Parachute Safe Kids Week - Community Bike Ride and Bike Safety Clinic