Bicycle Safety Day planned for Saturday

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WAPAKONETA — The eighth annual Bicycle Safety Day is planned for Saturday, May 14, at the TSC garage building, located at the corner of Willipie and Main streets in Wapakoneta. The program will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The prupose of the day is to educate children and adults of the importance of bicycle safety. Free bicycle helmets will be given to those who are 18 years of age and younger.

The program was established by Marlene Froning, of Wapakoneta, who lost her son, Keith Wesley, in a bicycle/car accident on Aug. 2, 1983, when he was nine years old.

“There is nothing that we can do to bring Keith back to us, but if we can save even one more child by teaching them the proper rules of the road and ensuring their safety, then it is worth it,” said Froning in a press release. “As Auglaize County DARE Officer Sam Blank has stated, ‘This particular event along with the bike rodeo is important because it’s a constant reinforcement in keeping kids safe on their bikes and educating them on the rules of the road. Over the years there has definitely been a growth in the event’s popularity and it seems the word is getting out, so while they’re here the kids are not only having fun but building the fundamentals they need to become safer and more skillful riders.’ Chief Hunlock with the Wapakoneta Police Department has also seen a reduction in bicycle related incidents throughout are community much because of the success of this program.”

There will be a bicycle rodeo and drawings for free bicycles. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Children should bring their bicycles and helmets for free inspections.

Race car drivers Jerry Bowersock, Scott Bowersock, Austin Scott, Mike Miller and John Mills will be on hand for the event. Mills had a traumatic brain injury and after eight years and hard work he is back to racing. All are local race drivers

Scott Bowersock is an artist, too and will be painting bike helmets.

The program is held with the assistance of the Wapakoneta Fire Department, Wapakoneta Police Department, Auglaize County Sheriff’s Office, DARE Program, St. Rita’s Trauma Program Manager and the Wapakoneta Noon Optimist.

A bicycle rodeo is part of the Bicycle Safety Day planned for Saturday, May 14, at the TSC building garage in Wapakoneta.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2016/05/web1_bicyclesafety.jpgA bicycle rodeo is part of the Bicycle Safety Day planned for Saturday, May 14, at the TSC building garage in Wapakoneta. Courtesy photo

Staff report

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