CLIO – State Representative Richard E. Hammel (D-Mt. Morris Township) will hold a bicycle safety event on Saturday, Sept. 13, to distribute free helmets to children and help residents of all ages learn more about biking safely.
"Wearing a properly fitted bike helmet can reduce the chance of a brain injury by up to 80 percent, so I want to make sure as many kids have them as possible," Hammel said. "This event is a fun way for kids to get a helmet, enjoy some ice cream and practice riding their bikes so they can learn safety tips from local motorcycle officers."
The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of Clio High School, One Mustang Drive. It will feature:
- Free bicycle helmets for both children and adults. The helmets, donated by Health Plus of Michigan, will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while they last.
- Free ice cream from Roaring 20's Ice Cream Parlor of Flushing.
- Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell and motorcycle officers from the sheriff's Vienna Township office, who will guide kids through a safety course and teach them about stop signs, riding through gravel and other ways to stay safe.
- Members of the League of Michigan Bicyclists, who will be available to do basic safety checks on bikes and distribute information and literature about bicyclists' legal rights and how to stay safe on the road.
The event is free to everyone and will take place rain or shine. Participants should bring their bikes.
"I want to thank all the organizations involved in contributing to this great community effort," Hammel said. "With kids back to school and more people riding their bikes to save money on gas, it's more important than ever to keep everybody safe on the road. I encourage parents to bring their kids so the whole family can enjoy a day of learning and fun."