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Bicycle safety front and centre outside the Beaverdome on Aug. 13th

A section of 49th St. was closed for the hour-long session
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By Kevin J. Sabo

For the Advance

Around 7,500 Canadians are seriously injured or killed on bicycles every year.

According to Transport Canada, around one fifth of those injured or killed are youth 16 years or younger. With these numbers in mind, two members of the Coronation RCMP Detachment, which serves Castor, along with Castor & District FCSS, hosted a bicycle safety session for children on Aug. 13th in front of the Beaverdome.

The two RCMP members went over the basics of getting a proper fit for bicycle helmets and the proper hand signals for cyclists.

A section of 49th St. was closed for the hour-long session, and after the presentation the kids were able to practice their newly acquired skills under the direction of the constables.

“I believe that the RCMP Bike Safety morning was a great time of learning and interaction between the kids and the RCMP constables,” said Castor FCSS Director Mandy Fuller.

“It is a program Castor and District FCSS wants to see continue as an annual event.”

Bicycle safety is important to keep in mind for all riders and motorists alike.

According to Statistics Canada, the majority of cyclists are killed at road intersections, and one in three are killed at night or in situations where there is artificial light.

Under the Traffic Safety Act, bicycle riders have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles on the road, meaning they are responsible for following the rules of the road.

These types of presentations are a good step in ensuring that the younger generations have the tools they need to stay safe while riding.

At the end of the session each child was given a bicycle safety book from the RCMP members, and Fuller allowed them to choose a new bell for their bike, donated by FCSS.