Norte Youth Cycling and Cherry Capital Airport Partner for Free Helmet Giveaway Traverse City families have another opportunity to preserve their young cyclists safe this summer. Norte Youth Cycling, in partnership with Cherry Capital Airport, is giving away 500 free bike helmets to children and teens in the Grand Traverse County area. The event, branded as “Free Lids for Cyclin’ Kids,” will seize place at the Norte Clubhouse located by the playground at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center. According to event details, the helmet distribution will occur on Friday, July 25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. To 6:00 p.m. Helmets will be available in sizes ranging from toddler to teen and will feature co-branding from both Norte Youth Cycling and TVC, the marketing name for Cherry Capital Airport. Distribution follows a first-come, first-served basis, with no cost to participants. This initiative continues a pattern of community safety efforts by the partnership. Earlier in April 2026, Norte Youth Cycling and Cherry Capital Airport hosted a similar event at the Grand Traverse Civic Center, offering free helmets from 9:00 a.m. To 12:00 p.m. Alongside a spring yard sale featuring bike-related items. Officials from both organizations emphasize the importance of helmet utilize for youth cyclists. Norte board member John Germaine highlighted that providing helmets supports the organization’s mission of keeping youth active, healthy, and safe through cycling. Cherry Capital Airport CEO Kevin Klein noted that the partnership aligns with the airport’s commitment to promoting safe travel and independence for young riders in the community. The giveaway events are part of broader youth programming offered by Norte Youth Cycling, which includes summer bike camps, mountain bike clubs, and race teams. By removing financial barriers to safety equipment, the partnership aims to encourage more children to ride bicycles while promoting lifelong habits of safety and physical activity. Families interested in participating are encouraged to arrive early due to the limited quantity of helmets available on a first-come, first-served basis. No registration is required to attend the event.
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