Students and faculty to host community Children’s Bicycle Safety Clinic Sunday, April 28
On Sunday, April 28 from 2–4 p.m. at the Lees-McRae Student Recreation Complex, students and faculty will be hosting a free Children’s Bicycle Safety Clinic.
The event is based on The League of American Bicyclists Bicycling Skills 123 course, and will be led by Outdoor Recreation Management instructor and League of American Bicyclists certified instructor Deana Acklin.
Two cycling team student-athletes, Veronica Laughton and Brendan Bengtson, will assist Acklin.
During the two-hour course, participants between the ages of 7–11 will learn particular bike-handling skills such as: starting and stopping; avoiding hazards; scanning, signaling, and balance; as well as turning and yielding. Before the lesson, children and parents will learn helmet check procedures and elements of a proper bike fit, with a quick bicycle inspection by mechanics from Banner Elk-based bike shop Headquarters Bike & Outdoor.
The event will end with fun games, certificates of completion, and free items to take home.
This clinic is limited to the first 12 participants to register online. Participants must be between the ages of 7–11 and are required to bring their own bicycle, helmet, water bottle, and snack. Parents are asked to remain on the premises during the clinic.
“This will be the first youth bicycle safety clinic of this kind offered on campus and in our community,” Acklin said. “May is National Bike Month so it is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the many reasons to ride. Many of you bike to work or school, ride to save money or time, ride to explore, or ride for health and its environmental benefits. This clinic is a great way to get your kids ready to roll with you into Bike Month and the summer!”
