Community Corner

Leetsdale Police Peddle Lessons on Bicycle Safety

Police passed out free helmets to children Wednesday in Henle Park as part of the summer parks program.

Aidan Sloppy appeared excited when the 6-year-old was fitted Wednesday with a shiny, new red bicycle helmet. 

He needed a new one, said his mom Eileen Ford of Ambridge.

"He breaks his helmet periodically," said Ford, adding that this time her son actually outgrew his old one.

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In all, the handed out 20 free helmets to children attending the summer parks program and promised to return to Henle Park with 20 more once a shipment of larger ones come in. The helmet program is sponsored each year by the Leetsdale Neighborhood Watch group.

PennDOT strongly recommends that all bicyclists wear helmets whenever they ride, but anyone under 12 is required to wear a helmet in when riding a bicycle. This also applies to anyone operating the bicycle, riding as a passenger or riding in an attached restraining seat or trailer. 

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On Wednesday, children were able to answer questions posed from Leetsdale Police Chief James Santucci about bicycle safety and they asked questions of their own about head gear. 

"The kids really enjoyed it. There was a great turnout," Laura Jones, supervisor, said. 

About 97 kids signed up for the parks program on opening day with an average of 50-60 children each day, Jones recently told council.

New presentations are offered to kids each week. Fire safety is planned for July 11 and the Carnegie Science Center is coming from 1 to 4 p.m. July 16-20.

 

Bicycle Safety Tips

  • Pennsylvania law requires all cyclists under age 12 to wear an approved bicycle helmet.
  • Under state law you are a considered a vehicle when you ride a bike. Ride on the right side of the road. Obey stop signs and red lights and never ride against the flow of traffic.
  • Ride in a straight line, with at least one hand on the handlebars. Check to be sure your path is clear and change directions without swerving. Use hand signals to indicate when you are turning.
  • Wear bright cycling clothes. Put reflectors on your wheels and on the front and rear of your bike. At night use a headlight and an active red light and reflector on the rear of your bike.
  • Carry a pump, a patch kit and a spare tube.
  • Carry plenty of drinking water and snacks for energy. Bring your cell phone (or change to make a call) in case of an emergency.

Source: PA Commutes


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