Volunteers from WalkSanDiego talk to kids about the importance of crosswalks.

Kids' Bike Safety Rodeo - June 2005: WalkSanDiego board members David Hopkins (top) and Andy Pendoley (bottom) instruct young bike rodeo participants in Imperial Beach about the proper use of crosswalks. >> larger view: top | bottom

Imperial Beach held its third and final Kids' Bike Safety Rodeo on Saturday, June 11 to reinforce positive bike safety practices, and to alert the public of a new California State Law requiring bicyclists and skateboarders under 18-years to wear helmets. "It's important for everyone to practice preventative measures. I hope events like this one will encourage the youth in Imperial Beach to make helmet-wearing a habit," said Mayor Diane Rose.

The Bike Rodeo is part of a one-year grant program to educate residents about pedestrian and cyclist safety. "We're fully in support of what the City of Imperial Beach is doing to promote bicycle and pedestrian safety," said Sunne Wright McPeak, Secretary of the Business, Transportation and Housing Agency, which awarded the grant through the Office of Traffic Safety. For instructional pamphlets that parents can share with their kids, please contact: Sheriff Deputy Carlos Jacobo in Traffic Safety at (619) 498-2412.

Additional reminder for Imperial Beach residents: Free wheelchair flags are available at the Imperial Beach Fire Station. These flags are an important piece of safety equipment for people riding in wheelchairs or mobile chairs as they can be seen more easily by motorists.