Calling someone hard headed—especially a child—isn’t necessarily a compliment. Sure, hard-headed people are considered practical, but they’re also considered stubborn. And in terms of business, Ira Riklis knows that being hard headed can be good at times and not so good at others. But when it comes to bicycle safety for young or old, being hard headed—having a proper, well-fitted helmet—is the ONLY way to go.
Ira Riklis became aware of this some years ago when he was approached by a child safety organization in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he lived at the time. The group sought his support in providing bicycle helmets to local youth. After learning the disturbing facts about how most serious bicycle deaths were caused by traumatic head injuries, he readily agreed to help. An event was organized at the beginning of the riding season in April and 5,000 children rode safely away protected by their new helmets!