Get on your bike and ride!

By LEE WARD / THE INDEPENDENT

ASHLAND May 15, 2008 10:00 am

— A bicycle safety camp will be offered to mark National Bike Week, which culminates with Bike Day, observed today.
Bike Week is celebrated across the country and in other countries this week. It’s meant to promote cycling as a source of fitness and fun.
Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital will sponsor its 10th annual bicycle safety camp 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Community Presbyterian Church of Bellefonte. The rain date is Thursday.
Registration will begin at 5:30 p.m. The free camp is for children 5 to 12 and will offer different stations at which children can learn about safety, helmet fitting, navigating traffic and first aid. An officer from the Ashland Police Department will set up a course with stop signs and traffic lights for children to practice. There also will be a minor bike repair station for those who need air in tires or brakes tightened and door prizes will be awarded. The Boyd County EMS will have a first aid station and members of Ashland Bicycle Enthusiasts will be volunteers.
Donna Surber, nursing manager of pediatrics, said this year, the camp is prepared for about 100 children.
“There will just be a lot of focus on bicycle handling and basic skills,” Surber said. “More physicians and parents are encouraging healthier aspects for children with the high obesity rate in the area.”

For more information, visit bikeleague.org, the official site for National Bike Week.
LEE WARD can be reached at lward@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2661.