Bike Safety Day

This year the Lamar Police Department Annual Bicycle Safety Day was held on May 10, on the same day as the Truman Days Festival held on the Lamar Square. People came from the square to participate and then returned to the square for the festival.

The weather that day could not have been better. It was cool as we started setting up the course at 6 am and then warmed up nicely before the kids started showing up at 8:30 to ride the course at 9 am.

The course is set with twists and turns and some figure 8s. Stop signs were set up to help teach the kids about the rules of the road. Officers were stationed around the course, not only to keep it safe, but to instruct and interact with the kids as they rode by. They would ask the kids safety questions and then make sure they had the correct information before they rode off to the finish line. This year a tunnel was added to the course, which the kids really enjoyed.

Every year there is a course set up for the very little kids, age 4 and under. They are allowed to ride their big wheels and tricycles, and just about anything else, through their own private course. The goal for them at this age is just the child's, and parents' participation in the event. Although it is a smaller course it also has twists and turns, and road cones to make it just a little challenging and fun for the tykes.

Once each rider was done with the course, they were allowed to put their names in a drawing to win either a brand new bicycle, new helmet, or bicycle accessory. Once they had entered the drawings, they were treated to hot dogs, chips and a drink. We have found that riding safely tends to really work up an appetite.