Area children will have the chance to get free bicycle helmets as part of an event sponsored by Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical.

The 12th annual Lawrence Helmet Fair will be from 10 a.m. to noon May 12 at Free State High School, 4700 Overland Drive. More than 100 volunteers, police officers, sheriff’s deputies and firefighters will provide equipment and safety advice.

The helmets are given away free to children who are accompanied by an adult. The event also will feature a bike repair station, a bike street course and a bike rodeo. There also will be free drinks and hot dogs.

In Lawrence, city law requires children who ride bikes, scooters, roller blades and skateboards to wear a helmet. Some studies have shown that wearing a helmet can reduce serious head injuries by as much as 85 percent, according to information compiled by the fire and medical department.