GUIYANG -- Southwest China's Guizhou province has handed out a total of 50,000 helmets free of charge to motorcyclists, according to the provincial public security department Friday.

A total of 30,000 helmets are expected to be given to motorcycle riders within a month in the capital city of Guiyang, with the rest to other parts of the province.

The public welfare activity was organized by more than 50 enterprises which raised over 2 million yuan (about $280,627) for purchasing standard safety helmets.

To raise the security awareness of the riders, public security departments at all levels in Guizhou will encourage motorcycle retailers to provide at least one free helmet for customers and teach them the correct way to wear it.

According to the Ministry of Public Security, starting from June 1, riding motorcycles without a helmet and driving or riding in cars without wearing a seat belt will be punishable. Electric bike riders will also be asked to wear helmets.