"So many people don't wear (helmets) because they don't know what could happen," said Debbie Kreun, executive director of ThinkFirst Nevada, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing head and spinal cord injuries. "We want (parents) to be good role models and not end up with a brain injury. Who's going to take care of their kids if they can't?"

Each helmet comes with an adjustable strap to provide a custom fit, and a ThinkFirst representative is on hand at every helmet giveaway to demonstrate how it works. Often children receive hand-me-down helmets from older siblings that don't fit and provide a false sense of security.

"So many parents spend a lot of money buying their kids a bicycle or skateboard for Christmas, but don't think about the other items necessary to keep them safe," said Trevor Fagan, Land Rover Las Vegas marketing director.

Every person who rides a bicycle or steps on a skateboard without a safety helmet risks a potential head injury. Research shows helmets are 85 percent effective in preventing traumatic brain injuries, but only 50 percent of bike riders wear them.

The next helmet giveaway is Oct. 10 at the RTC Viva Bike Vegas. For more information about Viva Bike Vegas, go to www.rtcsouthernnevada.com/vivabikevegas.