Editor,

I read with interest the article in the Saturday, Feb. 7 edition of The Record about the possibility of allowing scooters and bikes in downtown Langley. What really caught my attention was the picture on page 9 of young Darien Jacob, age 14, sailing down the hill on his scooter, wind in his hair, not a care in the world. He was also not wearing a helmet.

This community lost a precious young life not too long ago when Colton Wilson died after hitting a curb on his longboard. He was an experienced rider and yet lost control of his board, hit his head on the pavement and went into a coma. He died a few months later.

Those scooters going downhill can go at a pretty nice little clip. One rock out of place, one sudden movement from a dog or cat crossing the road, or a car pulling out of an alley, and it could be young Mr. Jacob in that coma. For God’s sake, put on a freaking helmet. No, it won’t look cool, but it could save your life.

And if Langley does OK scooters and bikes, I would ask the city council to make it a part of the code that the rider must wear a helmet, and fine riders who do not, whether he’s 14 or 40. We put on a seat belt when we drive a car. We put our babies in car seats. Those measures save lives. So does wearing a helmet when on a bike, skateboard or scooter.

I am sure Darien has a family and friends who love him and would be devastated if they lost him, the way our circle of friends was when we lost Colton. Be smart, Darien. When you’re on your scooter sailing down the hill into Langley or anywhere else, put on a helmet. I would never want your family or friends to go through what we did when Colton, one of the brightest and dearest lights in our island community, was lost to us.

LISA HANNA

Langley