PennDOT, Safety Partners Host Bicycle Rodeo in Williamsport, Lycoming County

​Montoursville, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation(PennDOT), Safe Kids PA- Lycoming County Partner, Pennsylvania State Police, the Highway Safety Network, Geisinger Medical Center, and other safety partners held a children's bicycle rodeo Thursday, August 1 as part of the city of Williamsport's Summer Camp program. The event marked the start of National Back to School Month.

The rodeo took place in the parking lot of Memorial Park. Campers between the ages of 6 and 12 participated in the rodeo, which was designed to increase their interest in bicycling, educate them on proper safety requirements, and instill safe biking habits.

The event included bike and helmet safety inspections, hand signal practice, safety games, and a course where riders could practice their skills.

In Pennsylvania, a bicycle is considered a vehicle and must follow all traffic laws, like riding on the right side of the road, abiding by traffic signs and signals, and using turn signals. Motorists should know that bicyclists can ride on a shoulder or berm, but they are not required to do so. Drivers are reminded to slow down and pass carefully, and they must allow four feet between their vehicle and the bicycle when passing.

"We encourage everyone to make time to ride a bike but please remember, safety on our roadways is a shared responsibility," said PennDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator Trish Meek. "We must all work together to make our roads safe for everyone."

PennDOT reminds parents and caregivers that Pennsylvania law states anyone under the age of 12 must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. This applies to anyone operating the bicycle, riding as a passenger, or riding in an attached restraining seat or trailer. PennDOT strongly recommends that all bicyclists wear helmets whenever they ride, regardless of their age.

For more information on bicycle safety, visit www.penndot.pa.gov/safety or safekids.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Kim Smith, [email protected] or 570-368-4344

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