September 27, 2007
Contact: Meg Mincolla
Phone: (775) 888-7172
Carson City Children's Bicycle Rodeo to Offer Bike Safety Tips
A free children’s bicycle safety rodeo and rally will offer safe bike riding tips while officially opening a Carson City bike path on October 13.
Developed to introduce bike safety information and the new bike path to youth six to 10 years of age, the free event will begin at 9:30 a.m. with registration and official ribbon-cutting opening of the new bike path near the Carson City Freeway. Trained bicycle safety instructors will then lead young participants in bicycle safety events, from safety checks, helmet fitting and emergency braking to safely passing other bikes and pedestrians. From there, participants will practice safe riding skills while biking the path between College Parkway and Northridge Drive. All children will receive free gift bags full of bicycle safety information and devices such as wheel reflectors. Jamba Juice will also provide fruit smoothies to all participants.
All children must bring a bicycle and bicycle helmet, be able to ride a bike and be accompanied by a parent or guardian who will sign a waiver and release of liability. A limited number of bicycles and helmets will also be available to borrow to replace equipment that did not pass safety requirements.
The event will be held Saturday, October 13 from 9:30 a.m. in the northeast Wal-Mart parking lot located at East College Parkway and Retail Way. No pre-registration is required. Additional details are available at www.bicyclenevada.com, www.musclepowered.org or by calling (775) 888-7465.
Presented by the Nevada Department of Transportation, Muscle Powered, the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety, the Carson City Parks and Recreation Division and the Carson Area Wellness Coalition, the event officially inaugurates the new 2.3-mile shared-use path running parallel to the west side of the Carson City Freeway. The path was completed in 2006 as part of the Nevada Department of Transportation’s Carson City Freeway project.
BIKE SAFETY TIPS 1. Protect Your Head – Wear a Helmet… Bicycle helmets can reduce head injuries by 85%. Select a helmet that fits snugly and flat on the head. 2. Is Your Bicycle Ready? Before using your bicycle, ensure all the parts are secure and working well. The handlebars should be firmly in place and turn easily. Your wheels must be straight and secure. Check your wheels before every ride, after every fall, or after transporting your bicycle. 3. Check Your Brakes… Always keep your brakes adjusted. If you cannot stop quickly, adjust your brakes. Consult your bicycle owners manual or have a bicycle shop adjust the brakes. 4. Stay Alert and Always Check for Traffic… Always look left, right, then left again and walk your bicycle into the street to begin your ride. 5. Go With the Flow – The Safe Way is the Right Way… Ride on the right side in a straight, predictable path. Always go single file in the same direction as other vehicles. Riding against traffic puts you where motorists don’t expect you. They may not see you and may pull across your path or turn into you.
