The City of Fayetteville is stepping up for local families by offering around 100 free bike helmets Wednesday morning. The giveaway coincides with the University of Arkansas “Cruise to Campus” event and will take place from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. on the Old Main Lawn.

Funding and Partnerships

The helmets are funded through a $25 million Safe Streets and Roads for All grant awarded by the Federal Highway Administration in 2023. While most of the grant supports safety education, a portion is earmarked for protective gear. The city has already distributed more than 400 helmets through a partnership with Highroller Cyclery, and this new giveaway adds to that effort.

Why Helmets Matter

Mobility Coordinator Dane Eifling explained that many families struggle to afford high‑quality helmets. “We’ve had families of four come here, and that represents a significant amount of savings for those households, especially as prices rise,” Eifling said. He emphasized that safety should never be compromised because of budget constraints.

How to Get a Helmet

Anyone interested can stop by the Old Main Lawn between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Wednesday. No registration is required; helmets will be handed out on a first‑come, first‑served basis. The city encourages cyclists of all ages to take advantage of the free gear, noting that proper head protection can prevent serious injuries.

Community Impact

By removing the cost barrier, Fayetteville hopes to increase helmet usage among students, commuters, and recreational riders. The initiative aligns with the city’s broader goal of making streets safer for all residents, reinforcing the message that public safety is a shared responsibility.

For more information, residents can contact the city’s Mobility Department or visit the official Fayetteville website.

Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.