Author: Alexandria Brasher
Planning Unit: Henderson County CES
Major Program: Health
Plan of Work: Safe Communities
Outcome: Initial Outcome
Henderson County has a lot of accessible sidewalks and bike riding opportunities.. Youth all over Henderson, especially in Henderson’s East End, utilize bicycles to get places and to hang out with their friends. Multiple young people ride their bike to school, the grocery, and the park. When speaking with the Family Resource Directors at two of the inner-city elementary schools we both agreed that bike safety was a major concern for the youth in Henderson County. The Henderson community had also been through tragic accidents that took the lives of young people within the past year in Henderson, so bike safety is at the forefront of the community. “Millions of people are incapacitated by injuries with some suffering lifelong disabilities. For youth, injuries can lead to anxiety, inordinate demands on family and friends, and time lost from school, clubs, teams. Injuries account for over 60% of deaths among adolescents. For children ages 5-18, accidents were the leading cause of death in 2012.” (Source: National 4-H Healthy Living Task Force). A representative from Norton Children’s Hospital presented the Bike Rode to some youth in Henderson County. During the bike rodeo the presenter demonstrated the proper way to wear a helmet and park a bike. The participants then had the opportunity to ride a bike through an obstacle course. In the course was various safety precautions such as a railroad crossing, stop sign, and taking a zig zag path. All participants learned the importance of paying attention when riding a bike during a challenge course. The Henderson County Extension Office partnered with the local Housing Authority to bring kids that could utilize a bike safety course the most. There were over 30 youth ages 9-12 that attended the bike rodeo. A representative from the Henderson Police Department was also in attendance and brought his police bike for the kids to see. The police officer rode the course several times and helped teach the youth about safety alongside the Norton’s Children’s representative. The police officer also built strong relationships with the youth present to help sow the youth that he was there to help them. Not only did youth learn the safety of riding a bike but some youth learned how to ride a bike during the program and feel more comfortable riding one in their neighborhood. All participants went home with a new helmet. One Family Resource Director that was at the event plans on providing the bike safety day next school year to all 3rd and 4th graders at her school.
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