Bike, skateboard rodeo successful

Free bicycle and skateboard helmets were given away to children this past Thursday during the bike and skateboard rodeo at the Ironton skate park.

The event, sponsored by the Ironton Health Department, Ironton Police Department, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, Ironton Mayor Katrina Keith, Dickess Auto Repair, Advance Auto of Ironton, the Friends of Ironton, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Appalachian Family and Children First Council, was a reschedule from earlier in the year when it was cancelled for weather reasons.

AAP donated the bicycle helmets, while the Appalachian Family and Children First Council donated the skateboard helmets.

“Helmets help to prevent injuries due to falls or getting hit by a car,” Sgt. Anthony Forest, of the Ironton Police Department said. “Anymore, drivers aren’t always looking out for bicycles and skateboarders, but if they get hit, at least they’ll have safety gear on to prevent head injuries.”

Besides receiving helmets, children learned proper hand signals for being on bikes and skateboards, about various street signs and got to go through a safety course. Free hot dogs and refreshments were also available.

“This is a great event to teach our kids bicycle safety. Many kids get injured every year, and sometimes we take it for granted and forget about the dangers associated with bicycles,” Ironton Mayor Katrina Keith said. “I commend Laura Brown and the Ironton Health Department for reaching out to the kids and all of the work they do for the safety of our community.”