(Mission, TX) Bicycling skills that mimic real-world traffic situations will be taught at the Second Annual Ride Safe Bike Safety Fair and Family Fun Ride February 11 at Mission Regional Medical Center. So that children learn how to ride safely on their neighborhood streets.
“Riding a bike is as much a part of childhood as playing. Experiencing the freedom of bicycling is like a rite of passage. But we need to make sure our children have the skills they need to ride safely-understand how to look for traffic, knowing about traffic laws, riding correctly and wearing and properly-adjusted helmet, says Oscar Tijerina, MD, Emergency Medical Director, Mission Regional Medical Center.
The Ride Safe event is inspiration of Dr. Tijerina. An avid cyclist himself, Dr. Tijerina has long been concerned about bike safety measures. “I have seen many bicycle accidents at our ER. Many could have be prevented if both cyclists and motorists learned safety techniques and shared the road,” said Tijerina.
Officers from Mission Police Department will be on hand to instruct the children on safe bicycling practices. “We set up the obstacle course to remind them about the importance of staying on the right side of the road when traffic is present and paying attention to traffic signs, ” said Officer Romeo Ortega, Mission Police Department
Red flash bicycle safety lights, t-shirts, and at least 25 helmets will be given away free to participants while supplies last. Urgent Care 4U will assist with fitting the helmets to each child and Bike Masters will perform free bike inspections.