TDOT Donates Helmets to Children During Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee
Event begins tomorrow and runs through September 23

Nashville, Tenn.—The Bike Ride Across Tennessee (BRAT) kicks off tomorrow, September 18, 2004 in Gallatin, and riders will be making some special stops at schools along the way to deliver bike helmets to children on behalf of the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT).

“We are thrilled to be able to help sponsor this ride and to be able to donate bike helmets to children at schools along the BRAT tour route,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “Our department helps build bike trails and we are looking to expand our bicycle transportation facilities as part of our Long Range Transportation Plan in the coming years.”

“This has been a team effort by TDOT,” said Ed Cole, TDOT’s Chief of Environment and Planning. “Promoting cycling safety is a top priority of ours. We want to encourage children who ride bikes to wear helmets at all times to help prevent brain injuries associated with cycling accidents.”

TDOT will be providing 650 helmets to children at schools as part of an educational program associated with the BRAT event. Students at three participating schools along the 375-mile loop through eastern middle Tennessee will receive helmets. The schools and dates are:

Monday, September 20
Short Mt. Elementary Schooln County
615-563-4418
Wednesday, September 22
Burkes Middle School
Monterey, Putnam County
931-839-7641

Thursday, September 23
Dodson Branch Elementary school
Cookeville, Jackson County
931-268-0761

These schools are scheduled resting locations for the riders. The children will be able to speak with the riders about cycling as a hobby, bike safety, and will learn about the health benefits of cycling. They will receive the helmets when the riders arrive. The time of arrival is undetermined due to the nature of the event.

The BRAT is sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, the Governor’s council on Health and Fitness, the Tennessee Department of Transportation and the Department of Tourist Development, among others.

For more information about the Bicycle Ride Across Tennessee, or to view the route, go to: http://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/BRAT/