Boys and Girls Clubs of Tennessee Valley gives away 150 bike helmets

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- More than 150 brand new bike helmets went home with children at the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley.

The organization partnered with UnitedHealthcare to not only give out helmets, but let the children personalize them. They also got to eat a healthy snack and learn some biking safety tips from professional cyclist Travis McCabe.

The cyclist said he loves seeing how excited the children are and is happy to share the importance of safe riding.

"No one wants to be riding without a helmet, or should be, because it is dangerous,"

McCabe said.

"We know now how severe concussions can actually become."

"So for UnitedHealthcare to be able to give away helmets to kids who want them, and want to be able to ride, it's a huge benefit ... (to) make sure the kids are safe and having fun while they're riding bikes."

Inspiring the children is also a goal of McCabe's.

"I hope this gives them an opportunity to see that you can take a career path in anything,"

McCabe said.

"If you really love riding, that you can pursue your dreams and become a professional cyclist."

Along with the helmets, United Healthcare donated $1,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs.