May 23, 2014 at 1:54 p.m.
Children learn safety tips at annual bike rodeo
Children learn safety tips at annual bike rodeo
By Kayla Thomason-
The goal was to teach children how to be safe when riding their bikes this summer.
"Today the kids are coming on down and they are going through a series of obstacle courses which I designed to teach them bicycle safety skills as they enter out onto the roads this summer," said Maria Skubal, community health specialist at the Oneida County Health Department.
There were six stations, including one for security - where and how to safely park their bikes legally - as well as Demon Driveway, which taught the children the importance of safely exiting and entering their driveway.
"A lot accidents happen closest to home in those driveways," Skubal said.
Crazy Crossroads taught the importance of stoping at intersections and looking left, right and left again before crossing the road.
Scan to Your Rear involved looking over a rider's left shoulder to identify if a vehicle is behind them. If they spot a vehicle the children are taught to stop or pull over to the right to allow the vehicle to pass.
Rock Dodge taught the children to avoid obstacles in the road such as potholes or grates.
"So far I like the safety course, making sure you go between the potholes," said Kristina King, one of the parents in attendance. "I just like the fact that everyone came together to put on something for all the kids in the community."
At the Balancing Quick Stop station children had to balance on their bikes when they made tight corners and demonstrate how to make a secure and safe stop.
"I like [Rock Dodge], and this one now [Balancing Quick Stop]," said Danny King, as he eagerly waited in line for the stopping course.
Melissa Collins and her three children had a great time.
"They are loving it, they are having so much fun," Collins said. "So far they have learned how helmets fit and actually what to look for when fitting a helmet."
One girl was ready to apply her newfound knowledge immediately.
"Well I'm learning about racing and stuff and going around the BMX track so if I'm going across the street to my mom's then I have safety," said Kelsey Yunkers.
While children were learning safety tips, representatives from Bikes-N-Boards were repairing bikes. The business also donated two bikes for raffle.
The bike rodeo is targeted at children between the ages of 5 and 12, but the health department accepted youngsters older and younger.
"We would really just like to thank all of our volunteers and sponsors for coming on down today and making this event a success with us," Skubal said. "We would most certainly not be able to do it without their help and guidance," Skubal said.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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