NATIONAL SAFE KIDS WEEK CULMINATES IN BIKE RODEO

REMSA and SAFE KIDS Washoe County to encourage safe bicycling practices at Bike Rodeo on Saturday, May 8

May 5, 2004 - As part of Safe Kids Week, REMSA (the Regional Emergency Medical Services Authority), SAFE KIDS Washoe County and the Reno/Sparks Kiwanis Bike Program will sponsor a Bike Rodeo promoting safe cycling on Saturday, May 8, at 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Great Basin Bicycles (1999 S. Virginia St.).

Children ages 8-14 are encouraged to visit the Bike Rodeo where they will be provided with bikes to test their bicycle skills and knowledge. Program staff will be on hand to demonstrate correct helmet fitting and to help riders develop safe bike procedures including signaling, bicycle safety checks, recognizing dangers, swerving, stopping and identifying objects or hazards.

“With summer fast approaching, this is the perfect time of year to get parents and kids thinking about bike safety,” said Eric Guevin, REMSA’s community education coordinator and director of SAFE KIDS Washoe County. “The majority of childhood injuries occur May through August and bicycles are associated with more of those injuries than any other consumer product.”

Head injuries account for more than 60 percent of bicycle-related deaths, more than two-thirds of bicycle-related hospital admissions and about one-third of hospital room visits. Collisions with motor vehicles are another significant risk factor to cyclists.

Statistics show that 75 percent of bicycle-related deaths could be prevented by wearing a helmet, which meets or exceeds current safety standards. Unfortunately, national estimates report that bicycle helmet use among child bicyclists range from only 15-25 percent and is lowest among children ages 11-14. Helmets should be comfortable and snug, but not too tight and they shouldn’t rock back and forth or side to side. The helmet should be worn centered on top of the head with the straps buckled. Children who wear their helmet tipped back have a 52 percent greater risk of head injury.

For media inquiries, please contact Eric Guevin, Director of SAFE KIDS Washoe County and Director of Community Relations for REMSA at (775) 858-5700, or contact Scott Walquist of KPS|3 at (775) 686-7439.

450 Edison Way Reno, Nevada 89502 (775)858-5700 Fax (775)858-5720