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Saturday, May 2, 2009
Milo Elementary School, Belmont St., Milo - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
As elementary-age students throughout the Piscataquis area look forward to spring, thoughts turn to
outdoor fun. Hundreds of area kids will be hopping on their bikes to take a spin around the
neighborhood, visit friends or to independently make their way to important destinations such as
the park or store.
Cycling is a fun and healthy way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. It’s also a leading cause
of unexpected injuries. In fact, every year, more than half a million bicyclist visit hospital
emergency rooms because of cycling mishaps. Nearly one quarter of those injured in bike-related
accidents are youth.
To ensure that young cyclists are ready to ride safely, the Three Rivers Kiwanis is hosting their
annual Kiwanis Bike Rodeo on Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p. m., at Milo Elementary School on
Belmont Street in Milo. All elementary school children, accompanied by an adult, are welcome to
participate. The event is free.
“It’s always great to see kids on their bikes, but riding safely is a must” says Jeff Gahagan,
Three Rivers Kiwanis Rodeo Organizer. “Three Rivers Kiwanis presents this popular event so that
young cyclists have the opportunity to learn the rules of the road. Equally important is that they
understand the importance of wearing well-fitted safety helmets.
The Kiwanis encourages area families with young children to take part in this community safety
event. Participants will rotate through bike riding skill and safety stations and have the
opportunity to earn a bicycle safety certificate.
The effectiveness of helmets can be reduced by as much at 50 percent if they are not fitted
properly. Volunteers and the event will adjust helmets for every participant.
To make it “cool” to wear helmets, consider the following tips:
• Encourage helmet use before “being cool” matters. Put helmets on children when they begin riding
tricycles. Make it a habit.
• Be a role model. Younger children are strongly influenced by the example of their parents and
older siblings. Establish a household rule that applies to everyone: if you ride a bicycle, wear a
helmet.
• Participate in a bicycle safety program such as the Three Rivers Kiwanis Bike Rodeo. Bring along
a few of your children’s friends so they can learn about safety as a group.
• Be prepared to take a stand when peer pressure is working against the use of helmets. Be firm.
Don’t back down.
Ten tips for safe bike riding: (from Consumer Product Safety
Commission)
1. Always wear a bike helmet.
2. Stop and check traffic before riding into a street.
3. Don't ride at night.
4. Obey traffic signs and signals.
5. Ride on the right-hand side of the street.
6. Check your brakes before riding.
7. Give cars and pedestrians the right-of-way.
8. Wear light or bright-colored clothing so that motorists can see you.
9. Be extra careful turning left - motorists don't expect it.
10. Avoid broken pavement, loose gravel and leaves - which can cause you to lose control of your
bike.
The bike rodeo will be held rain or shine. Kids should bring their bicycles. If you have questions
or need directions on the day of the event, call Jeff Gahagan at 943-2202 or email at
jeff@townofmilo.net
Jeff Gahagan
Phone: 207.943.2202
Email: jeff@townofmilo.net
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