Van Paul Etheridge

Outside, Van Etheridge, general manager of CycleMax, was teaching the third-graders how to drive four-wheelers safely.

"The main thing I want you to take away from this is the importance of wearing a helmet when you are riding," Etheridge told the students.

The children excitedly asked questions and told Etheridge about their experiences on the recreational vehicles.
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Etheridge said this is the third time CycleMax has been involved in the safety day.

"I think it is great for the kids," he said.

Van Paul Etheridge, manager of Cyclemax on U.S. 301, said his store only sells helmets approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation, and he agrees with the new law.

"A lot of riders don't like the new helmets because they don't look as cool as the ones without the foam," he said."The approved helmet sits higher up on the head, and some riders say it doesn't fit as well -- plus they are more expensive."

DOT-approved helmet prices start at $50 and can be as expensive as $400.

Etheridge said novelty helmets or "brain buckets" as they are commonly known, are mostly made of plastic or fiberglass and have little or no foam inside for protection.These helmets are priced starting at $20 he said.

CycleMax owner Van Paul Etheridge said December is the busiest month at CycleMax, 6723 Ward Blvd., and sales for dirt bikes and four-wheelers get a big boost during the holidays.To prepare for the bustle, Etheridge recruits extra staff to work, carries extra inventory and schedules surprise visits from Santa Claus for customers.