Helmet program gets boost from bike shop

Bikes at Earth Day

Hundreds of helmets were
given away at last year’s
Earth Day Celebration.
File photo: 4/22/06

Jeff Bernards, the man who has helped hundreds of Portland cyclists “Get Lit“, also likes to see them wearing helmets.

Last year he secured a seed grant from ODOT that enabled him to give out 550 helmets at two community events, and according to Jeff, half of those went to first-time helmet users.

The program was so successful, the seed money quickly dried up. But now, thanks to a generous donation from Jay Graves and the Bike Gallery, Jeff says he’ll once again provide low-cost ($10) helmets at the upcoming Earth Day Celebration.

Here’s more from Jeff,

Bike to Blazers

Jeff Bernards
File photo: 4/15/06

“I find that most helmet programs in Portland are geared towards kids, my target group is the twenty something crowd, that either for lack of funds or understanding the importance of helmet use, don’t have one.”

Now the program needs funds to match the Bike Gallery grant. Here’s how you can help:

Donations are tax deductible and my be sent to:

    City Repair
    P.O. Box 42615
    Portland, OR. 97242
    *Make Checks payable to City Repair in memo write Shift: helmets.

Jeff also needs volunteers during Earth Day to size helmets, collect money and help keep things running smoothly. Get in touch with him if you’re interested, (503) 774-5659 or ytamer@aol.com.

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Founder of BikePortland (in 2005). Father of three. North Portlander. Basketball lover. Car owner and driver. If you have questions or feedback about this site or my work, feel free to contact me at @jonathan_maus on Twitter, via email at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or phone/text at 503-706-8804. Also, if you read and appreciate this site, please become a supporter.

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Bill
Bill
16 years ago

how much is the amount they are looking for?

marc
marc
16 years ago

quick someone say how the bike gallery doesn’t do enough for the community!

Anon-i-must
Anon-i-must
16 years ago

Corporate shills! Cold and heartless!
I happen to know that Jay is also PAYING his employees to go out and help fit people in their new helmets. But then again, when you are a multi-mazillionaire (my new number, it’s very big) like all of the BG employees, nothing is ever enough.
I know we can count on other ney-sayers (Vlad) to be out there contributing time and $$$$ as well.

David Feldman
David Feldman
16 years ago

Good one, Jay!

Bill
Bill
16 years ago

“Now the program needs funds to match the Bike Gallery grant.”

I had asked earlier how much $ was still needed to meet the goal of this project but never got a answer. I think this info would be helpful for those wanting to donate to the project. I think some might be willing to stretch their gift budget a bit based on what is needed.

Jeff
Jeff
16 years ago

For those who would like to know, we need to raise about $2000, this money will be used at several events this summer. If you feel you can’t make a donation, volunter, it’s a great way to atill promote bike safety in Portland. Info
Jeff
Ytamer@aol.com
503-774-5659