Staff writer
Leaning into the turns, stopping, and yielding when directed, Hillsboro Elementary students learned about bike safety at school on Tuesday.
Physical education teacher Doug Dick said he has organized the event for the past couple years.
“Kids learn general bike safety,” Dick said. “We also test their bike riding skills to make sure they know how to use their bikes.”
Elementary students navigated a course outlined with chalk, cones, and traffic signs. Dick coached them on the rules of the road.
Police officer David Funk also helped register bikes, Dick said. He told kids it helps to have their bikes registered because there is a greater chance a lost bike would be returned to the owner if it were documented with law enforcement officials.
Safe Kids Marion County coalition coordinator Sondra Mayfield provided helmets for kids who needed them.
Mayfield said she applied for and received a grant for 50 bicycle helmets. Those children with broken helmets or that did not own one received a free helmet. Those that had forgotten their helmets were given loaner helmets.
“We gave away 20 to 25 helmets,” Mayfield said. “It was a good day for the kids.”