On August 10, Texas Bicycle Coalition’s Education Coordinator, Sarah Garza, and Education Assistant, Allison Seale, assisted the third and final Texas State University fitness camp of summer 2006 for children ranging in ages from 6 to 15 years. The Education team worked alongside Carolyn Cook Clay, health and fitness liaison for Texas State, this summer to provide bicycle safety education for more than 60 children in three bicycle rodeo events that took place on the University.

After receiving an introduction to the parts of a bicycle, the kids were encouraged to talk about bicycle safety facts that they had already learned during their camp. These lessons focus primarily on the Seven Texas Bike Laws which include: obey all traffic signs and signals, ride near the curb and go in the same direction as other traffic, use hand and arm signals, one rider per saddle (seat), keep at least one hand on the handlebars, bicycles must have a white light on the front and a red reflector or red light on the rear (for riding at night), and use effective brakes capable of making the braked wheel skid.

After being fitted with helmets properly, all the campers were able to navigate their way through skills courses in which they practiced balance, patience, proper arm signals, making complete stops and watching out for traffic while on a closed area. The kids had a blast while riding safely around the gym.

Texas Bicycle Coalition staff was thrilled to participate this summer with Texas State University and looks forward to attending more kids’ events in the upcoming fall.