Learning to bike the right way
By Contributor
Elementary school students at Hume and South Nelson were happy participants at this Spring’s Bike Rodeo held on May 22.
Louise Poole, Health Promoting Schools Coordinator for SD8, Nelson Police Depatment, Interior Health, Nelson & District Credit Union, KidSport, Nelson Sports Council, Gericks Cycle, Save On Foods, Sacred Ride and ICBC all sponsored the event that gave several bike helmets and two brand new bikes to some happy students.
The rodeo focused on road safety and hand signals, correct helmet fit and bike maintenance and the children got to ride their bikes through the rodeo course practicing their newly learned skills.
Many students’ helmets were not adjusted properly; either too big, too small or too loose. According to the McCreary Society, the number of concussions has increased in students from 2008 to 2013 due to a variety of reasons.
Parents need to set a good example and wear their own helmets and ensure that their child’s helmet fits their head properly to prevent concussions. Info on how to properly fit your kid’s helmet.
Otherwise, go into a local bike shop to get proper helmet fitting and to ensure their bikes are in good shape (tires pumped enough, brakes work, etc).
