MUNCY — A bicycle safety event combined fun and education for students in the Muncy area, who were treated to safety games and a practice course.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Safe Kids PA-Lycoming County Partner (Safe Kids), Pennsylvania State Police, Geisinger Medical Center and other safety partners held the children’s bicycle rodeo Monday as part of Muncy’s Community Action Program (CAP) Summer Recreation program.

The rodeo took place in the Ward Myers Elementary School parking lot. Students in grades kindergarten through sixth grade from the Muncy School District participated in the rodeo, which was designed to increase their interest in bicycling, educate them on proper safety requirements, and instill safe biking habits.

The event included bike and helmet safety inspections, hand signal practice, safety games and a course where riders could practice their skills.

“We are happy to be here today at the Muncy CAP program to talk to the children about being safe on their bike, including the importance of wearing helmets and bright, reflective clothing,” said Lycoming County Chief Deputy Coroner Kate Kiessling. “A bicycle helmet is your child’s best defense in the event of a crash.”

Kiessling also serves as the co-chair of the local Safe Kids.

Safe Kids brought six bicycles for door prizes, thanks to a generous donation from Construction Specialties, Inc. Bicycle helmets and other safety materials were also distributed.

PennDOT reminds parents and caregivers that Pennsylvania law states anyone under the age of 12 must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.

This applies to anyone operating the bicycle, riding as a passenger or riding in an attached restraining seat or trailer. PennDOT strongly recommends that all bicyclists wear helmets whenever they ride, regardless of their age.

For more information on bicycle safety, visit www.penndot.pa.gov/safety or safekids.org.