Students from and elementary schools got a lesson on the rules of the road for cyclists — and a free helmet on Saturday.
It was the Bike Rodeo, sponsored by . An Orange County Sheriff's deputy explained how to get around safely by bicycle, while an Orange County Fire Authority paramedic talked about the importance of wearing a helmet.
Those children who had signed releases from their parents received a free helmet, courtesy of the Orange County Health Agency.
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Great Opportunities was founded in 2002 to provide underpriveleged children to see their potential and the tools to get there.
Comprised of active and former California Ocean Lifeguards, Great Opportunities want San Jua Capistrano kids to get to the beach by giving them donated bikes and teaching them how to safely ride to the beach.
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Turning San Juan Elementary School’s playground into a dynamic bike training course for local children, Eric Groos and his brother David organized the event, which coincided with National Bike Month.
The event drew an excited crowd of more than 30 eager local children who practiced riding donated bikes on the chalk-and-coned bike course that simulated dangers and challenges of road biking.
Relying on donations from the community and supported by local businesses lsuch as Buy My Bikes, which donated seven bikes, Great Opportunities was able to give numerous bikes to local residents.
“Not everyone can afford the bus fare to the beach, and by giving kids bikes and teaching them how to ride safely, we are giving them the opportunity to get out of their neighborhood on their own,” said Eric Groos.
“We are getting ready for our 2nd annual mass bike ride from San Juan Capistrano to Doheny State Beach and back May 12, and our Bike Rodeo is a key step in getting local kids equipped and prepared; matching them with donated bikes and teaching bike safety,” Eric Groos said.
According to League of American Bicyclists, the month of May was first designated National Bike Month in 1956. Bike Month has since become more about promoting cycling and safe bicycling, not just selling bicycles.
Among the lessons sheriff's deputies and paramedics wanted the children to learn:
- Always wearing a helmet
- Obey all traffic laws (especially stopping at stop signs)
- Make eye contact with drivers to make sure they see you
- Always lock your bike or keep it in a safe location
