Donation To City of Keizer Helmut Program
Tim Newman | Published on 7/16/2026
City of Keizer Helmet Program 2026
The City of Keizer Helmet Program was start in 1997 by the Keizer City Council based on a recommendation from Bikeways Committee to improve bike helmet usage in the parks
Bikeways (now Multi-Modal Safety Committee) had received information the Keizer Police Department and the Keizer Fire District that showed a high number of accidents in the City parks especially in the Skateboard Park that included head and neck injuries
The City Council approved a city ordinance requiring users to wear helmets in the parks. The ordinance included an education component on helmet wearing and traffic safety, and the actual fitting of the helmet to the person. The Council also a proved the City Helmet program to be funded by grants and donations.
Over the years, grants and donations have come from organizations, businesses, individuals and a few government type grants have helped keep a supply of helmets each year. We also began to charge $5 per helmet unless there is an emergent need. This money goes into the City’s helmet fund.
Since 1997, over 6,000 helmets have been fitted on Keizer kids and families. We conduct at least three or more helmet fitting events and bicycle skills events each year. Calls for a helmet can be made to the Keizer Police, the Fire District or to the City Offices to arrange for a fitting for an individual or family between events. Each event and fitting includes both traffic, bicycle and helmet safety instruction, as well as, up to date safety information on helmet and cycling from Oregon Department of Transportation.
In 2025 Mary Ann, I, Brenda Lamb and David Dempster spent 65 hours fitting helmets and providing Bike-Ped safety information at scheduled events, police or fire district calls or from individuals. Example Mary Ann and I got a call from Simonka House, and we went and fitted 5 helmets for both the mom and 3 kids.
We have received updated training and safety information from ODOT Traffic Safety – Bike-Ped Program in 2024 – 4 hours and reviewed the new E-Bike Policy Guide Video. – Heidi Manlove
So, in money terms in 2025 we did about $1395.87 times 3 worth of time fitting helmets and chatting about bike and Ped safety
Scott’s Cycle and Safe Routes to School Program also has been mentors for us in fitting helmets and bike safe on An on-going basis