Learning to bike safely

Kids who attended the second annual Bike Safety Rodeo at the Pony Express Pavilion on Saturday learned what it takes to ride on two wheels.

And it's more than just wheels and helmet " it's about safety, too.

The rodeo was designed for kids grades kindergarten through fifth, with several stations set up to educate the riders. The first stop was to register and get a wrist band, second " get your helmet checked.

"I make sure they fit properly," said Ben Mallery with the Nevada Department of Transportation. "I make sure they're not too big and not too small, and meet safety requirements."

Mallery said helmets should be made by DOT or Snell, and be no more than five years old. And, if the helmet has suffered an impact, it should be replaced.

"No matter how old it is, it should be replaced," he said. "One good impact can damage it."

Kids were taught to ride in a straight line, start and stop, and learn to look left, right, then left again before proceeding.

"We have them run through each skill at least three times," said Bill Story with transportation department. The rodeo was a joint project of NDOT, WeCan and MusclePowered.

"They also need to be able to ride in a straight line, look back into traffic over their left shoulder and continue without wobbling. That's probably the hardest to learn. Even for adults."

There have been no bicycle fatalities in Carson City in 2007 or 2008. In the state, there have been five to date in 2008. There were 10 statewide last year.

"NDOT has a strategic highway safety plan to help reduce fatalities," said Eric Glick.

Glick said about 60 kids participated in Saturday's event.

"We're very pleased," Glick said.

Six-year-old Madeline Clemens brought her Princess Jasmine bicycle to the rodeo, and her own pink helmet. When being inspected by Mallery, Madeline's helmet was a bit too big, and she received a new one that was a better fit.

"I've been riding a little while," she said with a smile. "I think I'm a safe rider."

Madeline was accompanied by her father, Steve.

"I remember my dad taking me to something like this when I was a kid," he said. "It was fun."

Story said the most common injuries for a young rider are those which happen when they are riding on the sidewalk, and are struck at a driveway by a vehicle backing out or pulling in.

"Impact with a vehicle at a driveway or at an intersection is generally the most common accident," Story said.

Story said Nevada does not have a law requiring bicyclists to wear a helmet. He said California requires riders younger than 16 to wear a helmet.

"NDOT's goal is to hold at least two kids-safety events each year with a local advocacy group and the Governor's Advisory Board."

- Contact Rhonda Costa at rcosta@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.