Aggrostats

March 31, 2008

Bicycle Safety Training at Academy Sports


The Louisiana State Police and the West Monroe Police Department will be conducting a “Bike Rodeo” at the West Monroe Academy Sports location on Saturday, April 5, 2008 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. This event is open to all people interested in learning more about bicycle safety, but is particularly important for children ages 5 to 14 years old.

Studies show that up to 85% of serious head injuries sustained in bike crashes could have been prevented by the proper wearing of a bicycle helmet. This is why the Louisiana State Police has entered into a partnership with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and the Safe Routes to Schools program to provide this training to our school age children. This partnership will allow us to distribute 9,000 bicycle helmets statewide and the associated training materials to go with it. The overall objective of the program is to promote a healthy, active lifestyle and to encourage children to walk or ride a bike to school when they can.

At Saturday’s event, troopers and officers will be on hand to offer bicycle safety tips and training to all who attend. Troopers will also offer free bicycle helmets to children who qualify and all who attend are encouraged to bring their bicycles to participate in our short training course (bicycle’s are not necessary to attend training). We will also have refreshments available and will raffle off four bicycles which were donated by Academy Sports. This day will be fun with a lot to offer, but more importantly, it may save a child’s life.

Please consider this a personal invitation to the public and all media who wish to attend.

Anyone who has a request to host such events in the future should contact Trooper Mark Dennis. (Mark.Dennis@dps.la.gov)

For More Information, Contact:

Trooper Mark Dennis

Louisiana State Police

Troop F Public Affairs

Office: (318) 345-2810