How to organize a successful bicycle derby

Want to organize a bicycle derby, an event that not only challenges young riders with games of skill but also teaches them valuable lessons they can carry with them into adulthood?

Chris Smith, a highway safety specialist with the Community Traffic Safety Project, said organizations and individuals seeking to hold a derby for children ages 6 through 12 easily can get started.

Here's how:

Get a step-by-step kit explaining what bicycle derbies are and how to set them up in your community. To get one, contact the county State Health Center at 327-3440 for Lycoming County, 265-2194 for Bradford County and 724-2911 for Tioga County. Each state Health Center has kits available for the asking, Smith said.

Get informed before the event by brushing up on the state vehicle law. Children under 12 years of age must wear an approved bicycle helmet, according to Michael Hess, safety press officer with PennDOT's District 3 in Montoursville. The state law includes any children riding as passengers or those being transported in trailers behind the bicycle, he said.

Feel free to contact the Community Traffic Safety Project to get e-mail information ahead of time such as finding the right location and preparing rain dates.

Networking can help. The inclusive and informative self-starter kits were mailed last year to youth organizations such as 4-H Clubs, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, and a letter was given to area police departments and elementary school principals informing them about the availability of bicycle derby kits. Officials representing those agencies are likely to help assist in making it a successful bicycle derby.