Sep 05, 2014 05:38 PM EDT By J Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

Kohl's Cares and students from the University of Rochester are collaborating on a bike safety program in an effort to reduce bicycling injuries among youth.

The organization recently granted the University of Rochester-Medical Center's Golisano Children's Hospital $93,661 to continue the Kohl's Pedal Patrol Program, an educational program that aims to increase bike safety awareness in the community.

"We treat about 250 children each year in the children's hospital emergency department and head injuries are especially common and can be serious," Anne Brayer, program director of the Injury Free Coalition for Kids and pediatric emergency room physician at UR Medicine's Emergency Department at Golisano Children's Hospital, said in a statement.  "Bike helmets are 85 percent effective in preventing serious head injuries. Through Kohl's Pedal Patrol, we aim to increase helmet use and improve safe riding practices, so we can reduce the number of bike injuries in Rochester." 

Since its inception in 2005, Kohl's Pedal Patrol's has recruited a number of students at both the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and the University of Rochester School of Nursing to as mentors with the organization, presenting projects on safe bike riding to area elementary schools and young community groups.

With help from the Rochester chapter of Injury Free Coalition for Kids, Kohl's Pedal Patrol has educated thousands of children and teens on the importance of safe cycling through community outreach events and other educational activities.

In addition to promoting safety at community health fairs throughout the year, representatives from the children's hospital also organize bike rodeos with the Monroe County Office of Traffic Safety at area schools and community events, as well as the Public Market. Participants are taught different riding techniques and road rules and are shown how to properly wear a fitted helmet.

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