KEARNEY, Neb. — More than 100 kids are now outfitted with bicycle helmets thanks to a central Nebraska hospital.

CHI Health Good Samaritan and Safe Kids Platte Valley invited families to the Kearney Public Library on Thursday to be fitted for helmets by trained staff. The helmets were available for a suggested donation of $10, or for free if needed.

According to Safe Kids, more children ages five to 14 are seen in emergency rooms for biking injuries than any other sport. 

Trauma Outreach Coordinator Tracy Rademacher says wearing a helmet while riding a bike is essential because it protects the brain.

“Say if you break your arm, that’s going to heal in four to six weeks. But when we end up with a head injury, it’s going to take a lot longer and there’s a lot more long-term side effects," Rademacher said. "Sometimes brain injuries can have long-lasting effects for kids.”

The event has been going on for more than 15 years. Organizers typically give away about 150 helmets to kids and adults.