Bike Safety Expert Gives Presentation at Middle School Ahead of Summer

On Monday morning, May 19, Kyle Lucas with Wayne's Ski & Cycle in Mason City shared some tips and tricks on bike safety with the fifth graders at H-D-CAL Middle School.

He started his presentation with the proper way to wear a helmet, followed by ways for the students to check their bikes, including how to check their tire pressure, spokes and brakes.

Lucas also noted the importance of remaining vigilant and signaling while bike riding.

“Signal proudly so cars know what you’re trying to do,” he told the students. “Just like there are a lot of good drivers out there, there’s also a lot of bad ones.”

Lucas spoke to the third and fourth graders at South Side Elementary later that morning.

“Hopefully this encourages kids to bike more and to do it safely,” said Jen Koenen, the Curriculum Director/Equity Coordinator for Hampton-Dumont Community Schools.

Koenen told the Chronicle that she had invited Lucas to their schools after hearing how well his presentation went at CAL Elementary. Koenen, who also serves on the LEAP coalition with Franklin County’s ISU Extension and Outreach Office, said they're always looking for ways to get community members up and moving.

“The goal of LEAP is to get more people active in Franklin County, so we thought this might encourage some of our students to bike more,” she said. “Hampton is graced with two highways, so it’s important for the students to be ready.”