Bicycle Safety Rodeo set for Saturday
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That?s why the Warren County Constables Association and the local law enforcement Boy Scout Explorer post, will be holding the 3rd annual Bicycle Safety Rodeo at Warren County High School this Saturday, June 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be located at the student parking lot in front of the gym and is free.
According to WCHS student resource officer Bobby Pennington, the event will feature a variety of educational and informational materials on bicycle safety, as well as hands-on demonstrations of safe riding techniques, safety measures and equipment.
There will also be a number or prizes and giveaways.
?We?ll be giving away these snazzy bright neon-colored bicycle T-shirts, which are highly visible for safety purposes, and on the back it has the rules of bicycle safety,? Pennington said. ?We?re giving away bicycle helmets for the kids who do not have them. We?re able to do that through the Bell Helmet Kids Safe campaign. We get these helmets at a discounted price.?
Pennington said all the money to purchase these items comes from donations from local businesses. Attendees are invited to bring their bikes and participate.
Also making an appearance at the rodeo will be McMinnville Fire Department with equipment and vehicles, as well as a sheriff?s department helicopter. Local deejay Kenneth Seagraves will be providing tunes, along with live bands. Representatives from several other area law enforcement departments will also be on hand.
And event sponsors haven?t forgotten how hungry all that bicycle riding can make a kid.
?We?re going to be feeding all the kids hot dogs and drinks,? Pennington said.
There is essentially no age limit, according to Pennington.
?As long as they?re riding a bicycle, even the little kids with training wheels,? Pennington said. ?We will have different things for different age groups, age appropriate. You?re never to young to wear a helmet. We have helmets from toddlers all the way up to adults. So it?s a good opportunity to come out, learn something about bicycle safety and get some free stuff.?
Pennington said there are some laws that aren?t that well known.
?One of the big things is that under state law anyone under the age of 16 who is riding on an approved roadway must wear a helmet. So that?s one of the things that parents need to know,? Pennington said.
Pennington said in many cycling accidents the rider?s head will impact either the ground or some other object and that helmets are, therefore, one of the most important safety measures.
Though bicycle technology has changed considerably over the years, along with protective gear, Pennington says bicycle safety education is an important aspect of the activity.
?Safety still depends on the rider,? Pennington said. ?You need to ride safe, ride smart. That?s what it all comes down to. Kids may try some of the stunts they see on TV, and yeah it looks cool, until you?re in the emergency room getting patched up and mom and dad get that bill. Then it?s not cool.?
For more information contact Pennington at 273-4936.