NEW ORLEANS – March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and Blue Bikes is helping riders lower their risk by giving away free helmets, made possible by a donation from Healthy Blue.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), head injuries are the most common cause of death and disability among bicycle riders. But, the CDC advises that wearing a bicycle helmet is very effective at preventing injuries. Riders who fall while wearing a helmet are less likely to have brain injuries or skull fractures from the impact.
Although Louisiana state law only requires riders under age 12 to wear a helmet while riding bicycles, Blue Bikes encourages riders of all ages to do so.
Healthy Blue Louisiana donated 1,000 bicycle helmets to the program, which Blue Bikes will give out at community events during March.
“Everyone should have the opportunity to be active in their communities and be safe while doing so,” said Aaron Lambert, president, Healthy Blue. “We are proud to work with Blue Bikes and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana to provide free bike helmets to help improve the safety of riders.”
In addition to giving out helmets, Blue Bikes is continuing its work with local bicycle safety and advocacy organization Bike Easy. The two organizations are partnering to encourage more community-based engagement in bike share, promote road-sharing safety and advocate for enhanced, more secure biking infrastructure in the city.
Bike Easy, Blue Bikes and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana recently hosted a community ride with New Orleans Pelicans player Ian Clark and Pierre the Pelican to promote safety and accessible biking in the Crescent City.
Follow Blue Bikes on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to see information about upcoming helmet giveaway dates and locations. Helmets will be given on a first-come, first serve basis while supplies last.
Blue Bikes, sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, is a healthy, green, affordable way to experience New Orleans. Sign up for Blue Bikes at bluebikesnola.com or by downloading the Social Bicycles App from the Apple App Store orGoogle Play. There are several membership options, including pay-as-you-go, monthly and annual, which riders can choose from.
For more information on Blue Bikes memberships, to see the system map or to sign up, visit bluebikesnola.com.
About Blue Bikes
Blue Bikes is a fast, convenient and affordable transportation system for residents and visitors to move around New Orleans. The bike share program is a partnership among the City of New Orleans, Social Bicycles and title sponsor Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana. Sign up to ride at bluebikesnola.com.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is committed to our mission to improve the health and lives of Louisianians. We invest both time and money in the communities we serve, supporting the health and wellbeing of Louisianians through more than 200 charitable organizations.
With our subsidiaries, HMO Louisiana and Southern National Life, we provide group and individual health insurance plans, life and disability insurance, group voluntary products and administrative services to one out of four Louisiana residents. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana also provides Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage plans and is a partner in offering the Healthy Blue Medicaid Managed care plan. Louisiana is the only state where we operate, with offices in every major region to serve our customers.
Founded in New Orleans in 1934, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is a tax-paying non-profit health insurer. We are a private mutual company, owned by our policyholders, with an independent Louisiana Board of Directors and no shareholders. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
To learn more, visit our website at www.bcbsla.com.
About Healthy Blue
Healthy Blue, formerly known as Amerigroup Louisiana, is a managed healthcare provider that has been serving the state since 2012, and currently serves the state’s Medicaid, Medicaid Expansion and LaCHIP programs.
Healthy Blue recognizes the challenges low-income and underserved individuals face, and tailors its programs such that health plan members are assured care that is not only accessible, but also accountable, comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered. Healthy Blue provides ongoing community relations and outreach to encourage members to become active participants in their healthcare. Also, through health education programs, members are empowered to choose and sustain healthy lifestyles.
To learn more about Healthy Blue, visit www.myhealthybluela.com.
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