Safe Kids Larimer County and Colorado State University Police Department Host Fifth Annual Bicycle Safety Bonanza

The Colorado State University Police Department is partnering with Safe Kids Larimer County to host the Fifth Annual Bicycle Safety Bonanza from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at Spring Canyon Community Park, 2626 W. Horsetooth Road.

The event offers fun and educational activities for the entire family including free helmets, professional helmet fitting by the CSU Police Department, bicycle course to test basic riding skills, a bike giveaway and fun prizes. A fire truck and giant cement mixer also will be nearby.

Parents are encouraged to bring their children and bicycles to the event. Several demonstrators such as the Poudre Fire Authority and Poudre Valley Health Systems will provide additional family safety information and answer questions.

In 2006, more than 100 bicycle riders under the age of 16 were killed in motor vehicle traffic accidents. Ninety-five percent of bicyclists killed were reportedly not wearing a helmet.

"The goal of the CSUPD Bicycle Safety Bonanza is to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities by educating children and parents about the safe way to ride a bicycle and the proper way to wear a helmet. Research shows that helmet use reduces head injury risk by 85 percent," said CSU Police Sergeant Jason Meisner.

The Bicycle Safety Bonanza is sponsored by the CSU Police Department, Safe Kids for Larimer County and Lafarge North America. Safe Kids Larimer County, led by Poudre Valley Health Systems, is committed to preventing accidental injuries in children. They work in conjunction with health care providers, government agencies, civic clubs and law enforcement to keep children safe.

For additional information regarding the Fifth Annual Bicycle Safety Bonanza, contact the CSU Police Department at (970) 491-6425 or Safe Kids Larimer County at (970) 495-7504. More information also is available at the National Safe Kids website at http://www.safekids.org.

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