Community Corner
Kids Learn Bicycle Safety in Time for Tour de Murrieta
Dozens of people turned out for a pre-race bicycle rodeo at the Chick-Fil-A in Murrieta.
In preparation for Tour de Murrieta, kids were treated to a special lesson in bicycle safety.
Pacific Western Bank held a pre-race bicycle rodeo, during which kids were welcome to bring their bicycles and helmets for a safety check. No helmet? No problem; free helmets were given to those who didn’t have one.
“So many times you hear about kids hit by cars who get concussions, or worse, because they weren’t wearing a helmet,” said John Williams, sponsor of Socalbikesafety.org, another sponsor of the event.
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Along with the free helmet was a proper fitting, courtesy of local IE Bikes owner, Matt Barringer.
"A helmet can save a life,” Barringer said. “However, only if it fits and is worn properly."
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Barringer said a good fitting helmet has about two fingers of clearance underneath the chin; two fingers of space between the edge of the helmet and the eyebrows; and where the straps come together on each side needs to sit underneath the ears evenly.
Along with the safety checks, local law enforcement and Socalbikesafety.org gave out coloring books, pencils and stickers. Adults were given software for a home organizer and Amber Alert program for their children.
Murrieta residents Aaron and Jeni Goodale also believe in bike safety. Aaron helped organize the Kids’ Race and will compete as a cyclist himself. The couple’s children, Jacob, 11, and Christian, 9, will be competing in the Kids' Race.
"The boys ride a lot, they love it," Jeni said. “We always make sure they wear their helmets."
The Kids' Race is scheduled for March 12 during the Tour de Murrieta. It is a time to promote the healthy sport of cycling and safe riding, when kids ages 12 and under can participate in a closely supervised fun race on the same criterium race course as the pros, according to Laura Frasso, special events coordinator for Murrieta.
The 5th annual Tour de Murrieta will be held March 11-13. The kids' race will take place on Saturday beginning at 12:10 p.m. Registration can be done that day and will take place at the Murrieta Senior Center. For more information about specific times and locations, click here.
