Assemblymember Ting (center) joined by SF Bike Coalition staff and Volunteers at the bike Safety Fair.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Children received bike training and safety equipment at a bike safety fair organized by California State Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) and bike advocates on Saturday at Roosevelt Middle School, in the Richmond District.
"We want to encourage more people to ride bikes," said Ting. "Many families do not get enough exercise. By including cycling into our routines, we make a choice that is better for our health and the environment."
Ting organized the fair with the Presidio Community YMCA's YBIKE Program and the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition.
Jain Thapa of Assemblymember Ting's office (center) handed out free bike helmets to kids at the fair.
Over one hundred children attended the fair. Each received free bike safety gear, including helmets and bike bells. And, parents learned about the Safe Routes to School Program. It works to improve road safety conditions near schools so that more kids bike and walk to school and, therefore, take an interest in an active, healthy lifestyle. SF Safe Routes to School is expanding this year to serve 35 elementary schools city-wide plus 3 middle schools and two high schools.
Kids could hone their bike skills at the fair on an obstacle course designed by the YBIKE Program.
"All parents want their kids to pick up healthy habits," added Ting. "Riding a bike is a fun way for kids to exercise. Events like this fair help prepare our kids to be great cyclists by teaching them how to ride safely and responsibly."
Families were encouraged to bring their own bikes for free, basic tune-ups provided by the Bike Doctor and to try a free, safe, and fun bike obstacle course courtesy of the YBIKE Program.
In San Francisco, nearly 14 percent of morning traffic is generated from parents driving their children to school. Fifty percent of greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation. This year, 53 schools and over 2,000 kids and parents participated in Bike to School Week. The number of cyclists in San Francisco has grown by over 70 percent since 2006.
Contact: Anthony Matthews, tel. (916) 319-2019, anthony.matthews@asm.ca.gov