Warmer days are ahead and families are getting their bicycles out of the garage and pedaling for fun and fitness in their neighborhoods. With May observed nationwide as bicycle safety month, Dallas Park and Recreation wants families to get the skills they need to be better cyclists. The department has joined with American Society of Safety Engineers Southwest Chapter to host a family-friendly bike fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 14 at Cotton Bowl Plaza at Fair Park.
Highlighting the fair for cyclists ages five to 14 is an obstacle course that re-creates real-life situations. Specially designed drills will help them practice scanning for automobiles, develop correct riding postures, learn intersection safety tips, and detect and avoid road hazards such as tree limbs, pot holes, and rocks.
“Everyone will learn the ABC’s of bicycling, from preparing their bike to be road ready to commuting with bike,” said Stephanie Johnson of the American Society of Safety Engineers. “Travelling on two wheels is healthy for cyclists and for the environment and we want everyone to be properly trained for safety’s sake,” said Johnson.
Hoping to raise awareness about safe cycling, Johnson said the one-stop resource fair will feature a series of stations that address key safety aspects and the latest best practices. Families can bring their bikes and helmets for area bike shop experts to inspect their equipment and check helmet sizing and fit. While supplies last, free children’s protective gear will be given to those with who demonstrate financial need.
Other activities include demonstrations, fitness and nutrition advice, health screenings and bike and clothing displays will be available. Vendors will provide free giveaways and prizes and information including materials from state and local agencies on safe biking. City of Dallas staff will provide updated information about Dallas’ plans for new bike trails and give tips for or sharing the road with other vehicles.
Another component of the event is a seven-mile bicycle tour of South Dallas historic and community landmarks. Led by the South Dallas/Fair Park Active, the tours will showcase will give residents and others a chance to get to know the area as a place to live, work, grow and play.
Leaving from Fair Park at 9 a.m., riders will visit new and existing health-oriented organizations that serve the immediate communities. Stops include the H.I.S. Bridgebuilders Garden, Lincoln High School Culinary Arts Academy, Baylor Scott & White Diabetes Health and Wellness Institute at J.J. Craft Recreation Center, My Children’s Clinic, Opportunity Park and the South Dallas Cultural Center.
Tour coordinator Alendra Lyons of the Mill City Community Association said, “We encourage people to cycling as a part of their daily routines. We are helping connect residents with improved healthcare and active living resources that include new bike lanes along Bexar Street and through the Mill City neighborhood.
For Lyons, cycling has become her primary mode of transportation. About three years ago, she sold her car, bought a bicycle and she’s pedaling her way all around Dallas.
Registration for the tour is required and is available at www.RaesHope.org.
Although no federal laws require cyclists to wear helmets, the City of Dallas does. According to a Dallas news station, Dallas is the only Texas city to require children and adults to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
“Cycling is a recreational activity children love and families enjoy together. More and more families are riding their bikes daily and they want to know how to properly ride and operate their bikes,” said Andrea Hawkins with Dallas Park and Recreation. “For many, learning how to ride a bicycle for the first time brings back fond childhood memories.”
Johnson added that Dallas’ event also coincides with the annual North American Occupational Safety and Health Week (NAOSH Week) and Bike to Work Week.