Bike Safety & Fitness Focus of Family Bike Ride
Sunday, May 6, Edmond Park at Lake Arcadia

May 3, 2018 - - - May is National Bike Safety month and Oklahoma’s warmer weather makes it the perfect time to get friends and family together for cycling. Everyone is invited to the free City of Edmond Family Bike Ride and Oklahoma Flyers Off-Road Ride.

The event is Sunday afternoon, May 6, at Edmond Park, Midwest Blvd. and 2nd St., just east of I-35, and offers rides for those of all skills levels. The location borders beautiful Lake Arcadia and will include a festival atmosphere with hot dogs and refreshments, bike inspections, music and games. AAA will offer a bike skills and safety course for children and Oklahoma Earthbike Fellowship will provide an obstacle course for those looking for a challenge.

Experienced cyclists can participate in a two-mile trail ride between 1 and 5 p.m. Quarter-mile and one-mile rides suitable for families and those preferring a paved course will occur at 2 p.m.

Helmets are required at all times while participating. Bikes and helmets will be provided for those who know how to ride but don’t have a bike.

AAA is emphasizing bike safety after the number of people killed on bicycles (840) in 2016, was the highest in 25 years in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Five of those were in Oklahoma. Fifty-seven state cyclists were seriously injured.

• In a majority of bicyclist deaths, the most serious injuries are to the head, highlighting the importance of wearing a bicycle helmet. 51% of bicyclists killed in 2016 were not wearing helmets. Wearing a helmet reduces chances for head injury by 50%.

• Alcohol use among bicyclists is also on the rise and a growing factor in cyclists killed in traffic crashes.