The concept of a bicycle rodeo (possibly utilizing a “gymkhana” type obstacle course) is to “teach children about bike safety, proper helmet use, bicycle control, bicycle maintenance and street smarts, such as looking both ways and dismounting bicycles before crossing intersections, how to approach pedestrians and using hand signals” (page 20 of 2008 EMS Week Planning Guide).
The Bike Patrol, at the direction of Jason Tarkong (DPS) and Jesse Semen will conduct the training and skills aspect of biking safety with demonstrations on a pre-set course at American Memorial Park.
EMS personnel can participate as required or needed. The “cycling community” can kick off the day’s activities with a short “bike parade” from the Horiguichi Building to American Memorial Park.
The idea is to have kids decorate their bikes and ride with their families and friends to launch the event, passing in front of the Garapan Fire Station where they will be having an Open House.
The cycling community is welcome to get as involved as they like and Tom Manglona (fire chief) of EMS is enthusiastic about our participation. Since this is an EMS sponsored event, they hope the community will work with them in sharing their concerns and finding better ways we can all work together for a safer community.
May is National Bike Safety Month and National Youth Traffic Safety Month!
