Friends of the Parks Foundation, Morrison Rotary, Morrison Police Department, and DQ Grill & Chill hosted the annual Bicycle Safety program, in the cafeteria at Southside School, 100 Academic Drive, Morrison, IL, on Friday, May 11, 2018.
Each year third graders are informed about safe riding practices, laws for riders, and correct helmet use. A second session was offered to fourth graders, who did not have the program in 2017.
Classes were held at 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m., respectively. At the conclusion, each student received a bicycle helmet courtesy of Morrison Rotary. The service organization has provided bike helmets for “more than five years,” stated Kathy Schmidt.
Prior to the first program adults partially unwrapped 165 red and black helmets and applied a Rotary International sticker. Left-to-right are Police Chief Brian Melton; Rotarian Merle Reisenbigler; FOPF member Sally Finley; Rotarians Kathy Schmidt, Ellen Smith, and Mick Welding; FOPF member Barb Benson. FOPF member Bill McNeal and Rotary President Dr. Bradley Yaklich are missing from the photo.
McNeal introduced the safety program by explaining how Friends of the Parks Foundation has made bicycle riding safer in Morrison. The group established the bike lane in the City. They urged changing street gutter grates, so bike tires would not slip into the spaces. They set up bike racks in the downtown area to secure bicycles while people shopped or ate. Their efforts instigated and funded the bike path from the covered bridge toward Morrison-Rockwood State Park, including a bridge over the spring, resting benches, and trees. In the past FOPF collaborated with the Police Department to hold bicycle rodeos at Morrison High School.
He told students that before he ever rides his bicycle, he performs the ABC Quick Check List. Air means assessing the air in the tires. Brakes means being sure the hand brakes are functioning. C stands for a trio of equipment checks: cranks (ie., pedals), chain, and cassette (wheel gears.) Quick check reminds riders to verify the quick release levers on their wheels are closed, so the wheels do not fall off!
Morrison Police Chief Brian Melton stated the Bike Helmet Incentive Program will be in place again this summer. DQ Grill & Chill owners Bart and Ellen Smith will donate summer treat tokens. These are awarded to Morrison children, when “apprehended” by Police Officers for wearing their safety helmets.
Third graders took home 73 safety helmets; fourth graders took the 92 remaining headwear. Look for them around town.