It is a seasonal rite of passage, Adventist Hinsdale Hospital officials say.

Every summer children take advantage of nice weather to ride bicycles, and every summer the emergency room receives its share of children with head injuries resulting from bicycle mishaps.

The hospital hands out bicycle helmets annually to families who need them, said Jennifer Senft, Hinsdale Hospital trauma coordinator.

“It’s one of those programs you don’t want to have to use too often, but it is important to have the helmets available for use,” Senft said of the Bicycle Helmet Safety Program.

This year, four helmets have been given away to children, and the hospital distributes about 10 to 15 annually, she said.

“Over the summer, we probably see 40 to 50 head injuries, some related to bicycle accidents and others from various other types accidents or recreational activities,” Senft said. “The majority we treat are wearing appropriate safety protective equipment.”

Head injuries range from concussions, which can occur even when cyclists wear helmets, to abrasions, scrapes and more severe injuries, Senft said.

The program, which serves children 15 years of age and under, has been in place for several years, and is funded through the hospital’s budget.

“We do receive donations from time to time from donors who single out the helmet program.

Helmets are given to those who seek medical attention at the hospital’s emergency room, Senft said.

Hinsdale Deputy Police Chief Mark Wodka said the department provides several outreach programs and information regarding bicycle safety, including participation in annual bicycle rodeos at area schools.

“With cooperation from the schools, we put on safety rodeos just after school starts that include tips on bike safety, and safety equipment,” Wodka said.

If students intend to ride bicycles to school, the schools require the children attend the rodeo, Wodka said.

“It is pretty labor intensive, but it is well worth it,” Wodka said.