Oakland Gardens, NY – Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D, WF-Fresh Meadows) and Council Member Barry S. Grodenchik (D-Oakland Gardens) partnered with New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) yesterday to sponsor a free bike helmet fitting and giveaway. The event was held at P.S. 46 Alley Pond School and well attended by over 1,000 local residents.

“It is incredibly important that we take proactive measures to bike safely whether we are going around the neighborhood as a leisurely activity or commuting. With the Kissena Velodrome and Eastern Queens Greenway in the heart of the neighborhood, I want to make sure our community knows we are working to make protective gear accessible to ensure their everyday safety,” said Rozic.

Helmets were available for people of all ages. DOT staff performed the fittings and provided instructions on how to properly wear them to maximize rider safety. Included with the helmets were 2016 New York City Maps, an annual DOT publication outlining greenways and mountain bike trails throughout the five boroughs.

“This year the Department of Transportation will distribute over twenty thousand bicycle helmets to promote safe cycling throughout New York City. My district is home to two very popular parks, Alley Pond and Cunningham Park, both of which include portions of the Long Island Motor Parkway that are frequented by cyclists. People enjoy cycling in the streets, in the parks as well as in bike lanes year round, and as ridership continues to grow, it is important that we encourage rider safety,” said Grodenchik.

“Cycling has quickly become a popular alternative form of transportation for millions of residents and tourists,” said Nicole Garcia, Queens Borough Commissioner, New York City Department of Transportation. “With the many choices cyclists have in the form of trails, greenways and our growing bike network, DOT is proud to partner with Assemblywoman Rozic’s office to ensure every New Yorker is properly equipped for a safe ride each time.”

Rozic maintains ongoing collaborations with local transit activists and avid bike riders to improve safety conditions, infrastructure, and accessibility in the neighborhood. She routinely hosts giveaways and workshops with city agencies in district to bridge the local community with available resources and services.