In an inspiring show of community support, local citizens and businesses have come together to champion bicycle safety by donating funds and helmets to the City of Tullahoma Police Department.

This initiative, aimed at increasing safety for children riding bicycles to and from school, will provide free helmets to Tullahoma City School students, helping to reduce the risk of head injuries and keeping them in compliance with current Tennessee law.

The helmet drive was an internal effort spearheaded by East Middle School SRO Justin Blackburn, who noticed some students riding their bicycles to and from school without helmets. After speaking with one student about bike safety, the student told his SRO that he didn’t think his family could afford to buy him a helmet. Blackburn approached police administration with his idea for a helmet drive, which turned into a resounding success.

When asked about his motivation to spearhead this initiative, he simply stated, “If you have the ability to help somebody, then help.”

Tennessee Code Annotated 55-52-105 says, “With regard to any bicycle operated over any highway, street or sidewalk, it is unlawful for any person under sixteen (16) years of age to operate or be a passenger on a bicycle unless at all times when so engaged the person wears a protective bicycle helmet of good fit fastened securely upon the head with the straps of the helmet.” While compliance with the law was an important factor, Officer Blackburn’s primary goal was the safety of the student bike riders.

The drive began in August and donations were accepted through October. Local businesses and individuals donated to the helmet drive, including Ascend Federal Credit Union and First United Methodist Church, as well as several individual citizens. One of the largest supporters of the helmet drive was the Highland Rim Bicycle Club, who donated $500 for the purchase of 45 new helmets.

“Both the Tullahoma Police Department and the Highland Rim Bicycle Club have the mutual goal of protecting cyclists on the road, especially our children,” said Highland Rim Bicycle Club President Hunter Norris. “We can’t thank Officer Blackburn enough for his efforts. Our club is thrilled to see helmets going to all seven Tullahoma City Schools.”

Through helmet donations and funds, 75 new bicycle helmets will be given to Tullahoma City Schools for distribution to students needing a helmet through each school’s administrative staff and the individual School Resource Officers. Distribution may begin as early as next week.