During June’s National Safety Month, local Cowley County organizations are hosting “Bikes, Trains, & Automobiles” to explore transportation safety, according to a press release Monday from William Newton Hospital.
Hosted on the William Newton Hospital campus at 1300 E 5th Ave in Winfield, the free, come-and-go event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, with an optional group bike ride starting at 9 a.m. at Walnut Valley Outpost.
All ages are invited to take part in hands-on safety demonstrations while learning how to keep safe while riding a bicycle, traveling in a car, or approaching railroad crossings or trains.
“As part of the committee work for the ‘Beats Go On’ community wellness initiative, the idea for ‘Bikes, Trains, & Automobiles’ came about when discussing summer safety and June’s National Safety Month,” WNH Clinical Education/Professional Development Coordinator Melanie Burnett said.
Burnett says the team partnered with Safe Kids Cowley County to garner their experience in hosting these types of events and to identify some of the most prevalent injury prevention topics affecting kids and teenagers in our area.
“With a robust water safety and education plan already in progress by the Winfield Fire/EMS Department, our goal for this event was to focus more on transportation safety relating to cars, bicycles, and trains,” Burnett added. “Since then, we’ve added additional partnerships with Winfield Fire/EMS, WATCO, Walnut Valley Outpost, and RISE Cowley to present an all-inclusive educational event for all ages.”
Participants are encouraged to bring their bikes to test their skills in an obstacle course. Children will receive free bike helmets along with instructions on proper fitting.
Families can ensure car seats are installed properly with checks by local, certified techs, and a demonstration of heat built up inside of a car will be held.
Educational materials on seatbelt use, train crossings do’s & don’ts, and more will be provided. Sponsored by RISE Cowley, the K-State Research & Extension smoothie bike will be on-site with samples.
Light snacks and refreshments will be provided to all. A prize drawing will be held for a chance to win a new kid’s bicycle from Walmart or a new infant carrier from Safe Kids Cowley County.
The optional group bike ride will be guided by Walnut Valley Outpost’s Tara Sutton. Riders will make their way approximately one mile to William Newton Hospital, with a stop at a live train crossing on the way. Helmets are required for all riders. Donuts and coffee will be served.
“Bikes, Trains, & Automobiles” is made possible by William Newton Hospital, Beats Go On: William Newton Healthcare Foundation’s Community Wellness Initiative, Safe Kids Cowley County, Walnut Valley Outpost, WATCO Companies, and Winfield Fire/EMS.
To learn more about the Beats Go On community wellness initiative and other upcoming events, visit www.wnhcares.org/foundation/2ndcentury/beats.
