A PSA for Helmets

This a Public Service Announcement with a lot of tears and a fervent request if you are a cyclist.

.

For almost 15 years our friend Aaron worked in public relations. It was fairly stressful and although it never really seemed to fit him, he was very good at it.

.

About 5 years ago, he "retired" from the rat race and he and his wife started a company leading bicycle tours. First, just in the US and then later in Europe. Oh, how they loved it.

.

People of all abilities rode with them. They were fun, did their homework to find safe routes, became knowledgeable about the places they road and always employed a stellar chef.

.

On Monday Aaron was in Italy, just out for a ride before the busy season began. A bus full of tourists whizzed by and nicked his back wheel, hard. From what his wife, Melinda, said, the injuries are severe. Head trauma and other broken bones. He is to be moved to a Paris hospital tonight.

.

What she said, clearly and softly in a tearful voice was that had he not been wearing a helmet, he surely would have died. When my husband was racing, I remember many a gathering where friends would recall lives lost or shattered from a bicycle accident without a helmet.

.

So, please, wear your helmet. Wear it so others will see, wear it so your kids will wear theirs too. Wear it for the ones you love.

xoSherry