"I wasn't wearing one, but I highly recommend one," he said. "I haven't been on a bike since the accident -- I've been doing a lot of walking."

While Gardiner has seen first-hand the importance of wearing a helmet, she also knows it's just the initial step toward safe biking.

Deputy fire chief Mike Lowing said that there is a false sense of security for some of those people who wear their helmets improperly.

Lowing said that there are three things to remember when buying a helmet.

First, it has to be the right size. Second, the chin strap has to be fastened to ensure the helmet doesn't fall off. And third, the helmet sizing pads have to be attached to the inside of the crash barrier to ensure the best fit for the cyclist.

Lowing said many people throw away the sizing pads, but reminds people that they are necessary.

"There's no way you would get the tight fit of the helmet to head," he said.

Rollerbladers and skateboarders are also reminded that they too should wear helmets.

Anyone interested in getting their helmets sized and inspected for free, Lowing said they can drop by the fire hall.