Traci Reece, Safe Kids Walker County coalition leader, shows off helmets suitable for safe bicycling.
Photo by Timara FrassrandFor the first time ever, Safe Kids of Walker County Emergency Services is hosting a Bike Rodeo, giving area children an opportunity to learn all about bicycle safety skills.
"Safe Kids wants to target the elementary age group to impress the importance of safety upon them before they get 'too cool' to get the message," Safe Kids of Walker County Coalition leader Traci Reece said.
The Bike Rodeo will be held April 21 from 2-5 p.m. at Georgia Northwestern Technical College in Rock Spring. The rodeo is open to children in fifth grade or younger, who are invited to bring their bikes and helmets to practice traffic safety skills in a controlled environment.
"Bicycle incidents are isolated in Walker County, but we want to make sure we are not missing out on an opportunity to provide education and safety to our citizens," Reece said.
Reece said children who don't have a bike or helmet can also attend to learn safety skills. Walker County Rescue will be providing loaner helmets and bikes for children to use who don't have them.
"Safe Kids will be giving away up to 50 free helmets at the rodeo," Reece said.
She said she wanted to incorporate education on preventing injuries and properly using bicycle equipment. Safe Kids of Walker County received a grant for 69 bicycle and multi-sport helmets from the Department of Public Health's Maternal and Child Health Program.
Reece said the bike rodeo is a drop-in event and will provide a variety of fun educational stations for participants to learn, practice and develop skills that will help them avoid typical accidents and become safe bicyclists. Some of the stations participants will find are the Helmet Fit Station, Bike Check Station, Skill Stations - Start Stop, Scan Signal, and Avoid Hazards.
The Georgia State Patrol is also partnering with Safe Kids and will discuss rules of the road, where you can and cannot ride, and what Georgia law says about helmets.
"We've got a lot of great giveaways for the kids, and everyone gets a certificate after completing the cycling skills clinic," Reece said.
Reece said Georgia Northwestern Technical College is a perfect location because it's visible from Highway 27 and is located on a safe, flat area so there is no worrying about bumps or hills. Northwest Technical instructors and students will be volunteering at the event.
The event is sponsored by Walker County State Farm.
"They've been fantastic. Without their support this event would not be happening," Reece said.
Getting it in gear
Safe Kids of Walker County Emergency Services first-ever Bike Rodeo will take place April 21 from 2-5 p.m. at Georgia Northwestern Technical College, located at 265 Bicentennial Trail in Rock Spring. Contact Traci Reece at 706-539-1255 for more information.