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 4. The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will take place in Town Hall’s Brooks Street parking lot at 301 South Brooks Street.
This year’s safety fair will be offered as part of the 39th annual Meet in the Street. Plus, in honor of Star Wars Day on May 4, every participant who comes dressed in costume as a Star Wars character will be entered in a drawing for a Star Wars prize pack.
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. 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 free bicycle accessories. Adult participants will also 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 2015 survey and focus group.
Volunteers are needed on the day of the fair to assist in a variety of roles. Several volunteer shifts are available, and volunteers may sign up for more than one shift – but registration is required. The Bike Fair offers a great opportunity for local students to earn community service hours. For more information or to register to volunteer, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/citizen-engagement/community-calendar/bike-safety-events<https://www.wakeforestnc.gov/citizen-engagement/community-calendar/bike-safety-events> or contact Transportation Planning Manager Suzette Morales at 919-435-9512 or smorales@wakeforestnc.gov<mailto:smorales@wakeforestnc.gov>.
