May is Bike Safety Month and the Town of Wake Forest is helping to raise awareness about the importance of safe bicycle use by sponsoring a free Bicycle Safety Fair on Saturday, May 7. The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in town hall’s Brooks Street parking lot, 301 Brooks Str33t. As an added bonus, this year’s safety fair is being offered as part of the 36th annual Meet in the Street.
Facilitated by the Wake Forest Planning Department, the Bicycle Safety Fair is designed to teach safe bicycle riding skills to children ages 5 to 14 and their parents. Participants will be taught safe riding techniques through an obstacle course that re-creates real-life situations. The course illustrates the proper way for cyclists to scan for automobiles, develop correct riding techniques, utilize intersection safety tips and avoid road hazards such as tree limbs, pot holes and rocks.
On the day of the event a parent or legal guardian will be required to sign a waiver for their child or children to participate. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bicycles and helmets as free bicycle inspections will be offered at the start of the obstacle course. Loaner helmets and bicycles will also be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Participants and parents will also learn how to fit helmets properly and opportunities will be provided throughout the day to earn a free helmet. Adult participants will enjoy learning the ABC’s of bicycling; preparing your bike to be road ready, proper bike clothing, and safety tips and techniques.
Bike-Walk-Run Wake Forest maps will also be available during the Bicycle Safety Fair. The free map highlights bicycle routes in Wake Forest and ranks them according to level of experience from ‘beginner’ to ‘experienced.’ The rankings are based on feedback the town received from area cyclists through a survey and focus group offered last year.
For more information about this year’s Bicycle Safety Fair, visit wakeforestnc.gov and search “Bike Safety Fair” or contact Transportation Planning Manager Candace Davis at 919-435-9513 or cdavis@wakeforestnc.gov.
