On August 21, 2026, a St. George family held up a shattered helmet at Washington Wheels Park to share how protective gear saved a child's life. The event, involving Intermountain Health, Gold Cross Ambulance, and Washington City leaders, aimed to promote helmet safety following a surge in childhood bike injuries.
The Winward family shared how 8-year-old Zach Winward survived a March morning accident when a pickup truck struck him near his St. George home. After being struck by the front of the vehicle and run over by the rear tire, Zach was released from the hospital less than four hours later with minor injuries and no traumatic brain injury. His father, Jason Winward, stated that the helmet prevented a much more tragic outcome for their family.
Intermountain Health trauma data shows a nearly 67% increase in e-bike-related injuries among children and teens in a single year at Primary Children's Hospital campuses. Last year, of 536 young patients treated in Intermountain Health emergency departments for bicycle or scooter injuries, only 38% were wearing helmets. Additionally, Utah recorded 2,358 bicycle-related injuries and 45 fatalities from 2020 to 2024, with nearly a quarter of those crashes involving riders under age 24.
Washington City Mayor Kress Staheli noted the importance of Utah's new e-bike helmet law. Officials and the Winward family urged parents to implement a no helmet, no ride rule to ensure children stay safe while riding bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, or skateboards.
