With summer under way, more than 75 children are better equipped to navigate their bikes on the streets of New London, thanks to a Bike Safety Clinic held in May.
The clinic, held May 12 at New London Middle School, highlighted the importance of bike safety rules children need to know to stay safe while riding their bikes. Some topics covered included rules of the road, how to look back and navigate for traffic and how to make sure their bikes are safe to ride.
“It was a great day and the kids had a blast,” said Dr. Jim Ziegler, a member of the board of directors for the Wolf River Area Healthcare Foundation and an event volunteer. “It is great that an event like this is available to the community.”
This event was funded by proceeds from the 2011 Sturgeon Shuffle and was sponsored by The Wolf River Area Healthcare Foundation, New London Family Medical Center, and ThedaCare Physicians-New London. The foundation worked in collaboration with the New London High School DECA Club and the New London Police Department. Additional funding was provided from the United Way New London and Fox Communities Credit Union.
According to national statistics, more than 1.8 billion bicycle outings occur each year, resulting in nearly 580,000 visits to emergency departments. Injuries sustained range from common abrasions, cuts and bruises to broken bones, internal injuries, head trauma and even death.
“The free Bell helmets handed out at this event will help reduce the risk of injuries among these children,” said Kimberly Brown, a nurse practitioner at ThedaCare Physicians-New London.
After completing their lessons, kids practiced on the obstacle course and enjoyed a healthy snack of milk provided by McDonald’s of New London and Nabisco snacks provided by Festival Foods.