Police Department, Tewksbury Rail Trails to Host Bicycle Rodeo

(Editor's note: The following information was submitted by Police Chief Timothy Sheehan.)

The Tewksbury Police Department and Tewksbury Rail Trails would like to help ensure the safety of local children by hosting a bike rodeo at the Tewksbury Wal-Mart on Saturday, May 4^th from 10AM-1PM.

On average, 250 children in the United States under the age of 14 die each year because of a bicycle crash. Another 300,000 children are treated in emergency rooms for severe head injuries. Many of these accidents could have been prevented if these children were riding safe bikes, wore bicycle helmets, and knew the basics about safe bike riding.

Other local businesses will be joining in the effort by donating time and resources to help educate children about bicycle safety. At the rodeo, members from the Emergency Department at Lowell General Hospital will be educating the public (children, parents, and even adult cyclists) about the need for head protection. Tewksbury Police Department would like to not only encourage children to wear a bike helmet, but to also wear them correctly. Bicycle helmets can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85%.  Wearing a bicycle helmet is such a simple way to help ensure your child’s safety. Parents may think their children are safe riding around the neighborhood; however, research tells us that most serious bicycle crashes occur on a quiet neighborhood street.

Ten tips for safe bike riding: (from Consumer Product Safety Commission)

1. Always wear a bike helmet.

2. Stop and check traffic before riding into a street.

3. Don’t ride at night.

4. Obey traffic signs and signals.

5. Ride on the right-hand side of the street.

6. Check your brakes before riding.

7. Give cars and pedestrians the right-of-way.

8. Wear light or bright-colored clothing so that motorists can see you.

9. Be extra careful turning left – motorists don’t expect it.

10. Avoid broken pavement, loose gravel and leaves – which can cause you to lose control of your bike.

For more information about this event or to get involved, please contact Officer Jennie Welch (978)851-7373, EXT 230.