CARE for Children, through its leadership of the Safe Kids Pennsylvania–McKean County Partnership, has successfully completed its 2026 Kindergarten Bicycle Safety Program, providing more than 400 free bicycle helmets and bicycle safety education to kindergarten students across McKean County and in Coudersport, PA.

The initiative delivered age-appropriate bicycle safety programming in six local school districts: Bradford Area, Kane Area, Smethport Area, Port Allegany, Otto-Eldred, and Coudersport Area. Every child who participated received a properly fitted bicycle helmet, a helmet identification sticker, and bicycle safety materials to take home to parents and caregivers.

"This program gives children the opportunity to learn important bicycle safety habits early while also ensuring they have access to a properly fitted helmet. We want children and families to understand that helmets save lives and that safe riding habits can make a lasting difference." — Kimberly Engstrom, M.Ed., CARE Preschool Director and Child Safety Educator

The CARE-led program featured the book Play It Safe by Mercer Mayer to teach students the basics of bicycle safety, including proper helmet use, hand signals, and obeying traffic signs.

Program results:

• 95% of local kindergarten students received a helmet
• Students expressing willingness to wear helmets increased by more than 50%
• 100% of kindergarten teachers agreed the program was age-appropriate and beneficial

"Programs like this are especially important in rural communities where families may face barriers to purchasing safety equipment. By working together with funders, schools, volunteers, and community partners, we are helping children stay safe while building positive lifelong habits." — Tina M. Martin, Executive Director, CARE for Children

Pennsylvania law requires children under the age of 12 to wear a helmet while riding a bicycle or while riding as a passenger in a bicycle restraining seat or trailer. The Safe Kids Pennsylvania–McKean County Partnership first launched this initiative in 2016 and has since expanded countywide, reaching hundreds of students annually.

Community Partners

This year's success was made possible through partnerships with local school districts, the Safe Kids Pennsylvania–McKean County Partnership Advisory Council, volunteers, and community partners including representatives from the United Way, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, PennDOT, the Highway Safety Network, and the Rotary Club of Port Allegany.

Funding

This project is funded in part through grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Port Allegany and Smethport Campaigns for United Way, and the Kane United Fund. Additional Safe Kids programming is supported by the CARE for Children Trust, the ARG–Our Legacy Fund held at the McKean County Community Foundation, the United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc., grants, sponsorships, and individual donations.

Safe Kids Pennsylvania–McKean County Partnership is a collaborative effort of local organizations, businesses, and individuals working together to support child safety and injury prevention efforts. CARE for Children provides leadership, fiscal oversight, and administrative support for the program.

For more information about CARE for Children programs or to support local child safety initiatives, visit careforchildren.info.