NHES students get tips on bike safety at rodeo

The Outer Banks Hospital co-sponsored a Bike Safety Rodeo as part of the “Safe Routes to School Initiative” at Nags Head Elementary School June 1.

About 600 students from grades Pre-K to 5th Grade participated in the rodeo, which was held in conjunction with The Town of Nags Head’s Planning and Police Departments. Every 3rd grade student at Nags Head Elementary School received a free bicycle helmet.

North Carolina law requires every child under 16 to wear an approved bicycle helmet while riding on any public roadway, bike path or right-of-way. A properly fitted bicycle helmet can reduce the risk of a head injury by 85 percent, studies have shown.

Sgt. Chris Montgomery with the Nags Head Police Department presented a hands-on demonstration that highlighted the proper safety procedures and rules of the road. The children also learned bicycle control and balance, traffic signals and the importance of wearing a helmet.

Parents were encouraged to attend the event and Ocean Atlantic Rentals loaned bicycles to children who did not have one of their own.  The children received free water bottles from State Farm Insurance and were able to tour one of the Town of Nags Head’s fire engines.