Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 09/04/2008

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Hilary Moores - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Cook

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

SONOMA COUNTY LAW ENFORCEMENT AND BICYCLE COALITION
SPONSOR WEST COUNTY CHILD BICYCLE SAFETY RODEO

Sonoma County District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that the District Attorney’s Office, Sebastopol Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Sheriff’s Department, and the Sonoma County Bike Coalition have joined forces to promote child bicycle safety in west Sonoma County. The Bicycle Safety Rodeo will take place on September 20th, 2008, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the north parking lot of Analy High School in Sebastopol.

District Attorney Passalacqua said, “Ensuring the safety of our children throughout the community, including while riding their bicycles, is a top priority for law enforcement in Sonoma County. Partnering with community organizations like the Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition, to educate and build children’s confidence in skills like cycling is the type of collaboration that benefits everyone.”

Tina Panza, Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition’s Safe Routes to School Director expects a large event turnout. “We were excited when the District Attorney’s Office approached us about coordinating this event, since it directly supports the education efforts we’re undertaking with the Safe Routes to School program in Sebastopol.”

Chief Jeff Weaver of the Sebastopol Police Department said, “The Bicycle Rodeo is an excellent opportunity for police officers to interact with local youth as well as improve bike safety.”

At the Bicycle Safety Rodeo, District Attorney staff, law enforcement officers, fire personnel, as well as Bike Coalition and other volunteers will be teaching children, of ages 4-14, bike safety skills and rules of the road. Each child will initially have their bicycle inspected and adjusted for safety, helmets will be fitted properly, and once the child successfully completes the skills course, certificates will be awarded. If any child does not have a helmet or has a helmet that cannot be adjusted properly, new helmets will be available while supplies last, with a requested $5.00 donation to the Safe Routes to School program.

The program is free. Printable Flyer

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