Mobile Bike Rodeo Training

May 18, 2009

Cypress Creek EMS, with support from the Houston Northwest Medical Center, has launched an updated bike safety program. With a grant received in August of 2008, CCEMS was able to purchase a bike rodeo trailer full of all of the equipment needed for a successful bike rodeo. This trailer is taken to schools and community events. In addition to the education provided, CCEMS gives free helmets to children in need.

The travelling bike rodeo program includes a helmet fit station, bike maintenance check, street sign education and an obstacle course. The obstacle course covers hand signals for right and left turns, stopping, changing lanes and other safe riding practices. There are eight bikes of various sizes in the trailer so that even those children without a bicycle can participate.

Members of the CCEMS Bike Medic Response Team said they are grateful for the opportunity to use their training to educate children and their parents in the tenets of bicycle safety. “By showing children the ‘Rules of the Road’ in a unique environment, we are able to keep the child’s attention and they are more likely to retain the lessons learned,” said Wren Nealy, Jr., director of special operations for CCEMS. Since the trailer was purchased, CCEMS has educated over 3000 children. School bike rodeos are already scheduled for the 2009 – 2010 school year.