Safety and Fun Spotlighted in Downtown Ferndale Bike Rodeo
(Crystal A. Proxmire, May 27, 2018)
Ferndale, MI – Free helmets, bicycle safety checks, licenses and a test riding course were all part of the annual Downtown Ferndale Bike Rodeo held May 17.
Eighteen month old Denver Carter and his mom watched while four-year-old Keegan Carter let Ferndale Police Sgt. Baron Brown guide him though the course after getting a helmet from the Ferndale Rotary.  “It’s nice they do this,” said the boys’ mother.  “Keegan just started learning how to ride his bike in the driveway, so this is exciting for him.  And it’s nice how they make it fun for kids to wear a helmet.”
Vanessa Mier works in Injury Prevention Services at Saint John’s Hospital and serves on Safe Kids Oakland County. She was at the Bike Rodeo to help teach parents and kids about bike safety.
“I like to be out in the community trying to reach people before accidents happen,” Meir said.  “Most accidents are preventable. The risk factors are known.”
Mier said most injuries happen in and around cars, so parents should be especially careful when pulling in or out of driveways. Bicyclists should also use caution when riding in the street, and take care to stop and look before crossing streets.
She also recommends reflective wear and a good strong helmet.  Helmets need to be replaced after an impact happens so buying them used is not a good idea.
For Cindy Wilcock, Assistant Director of Downtown Ferndale, the Bike Rodeo is not just about safety, but a chance to remind people that the community is welcoming for those on bikes.
“It’s much easier to park a bike than a car,” she said.  “Especially when there’s construction we want people to know this is a good option.”
As she spoke, a pack of about thirty bicyclists came down W. 9 Mile, smiling and waving as they passed.
Throughout the Downtown there are bike racks, and even a bicycle repair station at Schiffer Park, at the corner of W 9 Mile and Planavon.  There are others through the city along bike routes, which can be found at www.FerndaleMoves.com.
“We see a lot more people biking,” Wilcock said. “Even employees are biking to work, which is a good habit.”
For more on Downtown Ferndale visit www.DowntownFerndale.com
For more great events visit the White Castle Bold Moves Event Page http://oaklandcounty115.com/events/