As Toronto families prepare for the back-to-school season, local nonprofit INGA EDUCATES, in partnership with Toronto Police 14 Division, delivers a timely message: road safety habits should start early, before a child’s first walk or bike ride to school.
On Tuesday, August 12, the two organizations will co-host an interactive road safety event at Trinity Bellwoods Park to raise awareness about the importance of helmet safety, injury prevention, and encouraging early-age safety habits. Families attending will receive free children’s helmets (while supplies last) and learn how to wear them properly.
This initiative builds on INGA EDUCATES’ #HelmON campaign, which has already distributed over 1,000 free helmets to children and families across the city this summer through grassroots, community-led efforts.
WHY IT MATTERS:
Both local and global research show that safety habits formed in childhood are the most likely to stick. This makes early education a critical part of prevention. Head injuries remain the leading cause of cycling-related deaths in Canada. With the rise in e-scooter and bike use among youth, helmet safety is more important than ever.
WHEN & WHERE:
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Trinity Bellwoods Park, Toronto (Queen St. entrance)
WHO:
- Inga Tkachenko Ramage, Co-founder of INGA EDUCATES. Inga is a collision survivor and road safety educator with 18 years of experience supporting crash victims.
- Fahim Muniri, Co-Chair of the 14 Division Community Police Liaison Committee. Fahim can speak about the importance of creating safer, more connected neighbourhoods.
- Toronto families gathering to connect and learn about road safety.
VISUALS & INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
- Free helmet giveaways and fittings with Toronto Police, INGA EDUCATES and community volunteers
- Road safety education sessions with children and parents
- Mounted unit, neighbourhood officers, CRU and bicycle officers on site
- Bouncy castles, balloons, and free ice cream for kids
- Interviews with Inga Tkachenko Ramage, Fahim Muniri, and participating children and families