Nearly 40 keiki went home with brand-new bikes during the annual Keiki Bike Safety Day at Wilcox Medical Center on Saturday.
Hundreds of people attended the 11th annual event as Wilcox physicians and staff engaged in hands-on activities and helped to properly fit helmets on keiki as young as 2 years old.
The helmets were given to the children to promote safe riding at the event and whenever they are out and about. Children were also able to add their own unique style to their new helmets at the popular helmet decorating station.
“First, they measured my head, and I got a new helmet,” said Aliyalana Taylan, a 9-year-old from Waimea. “Then, I went to the training section where they taught me hand signals (for left and right turns), and I won a free bike. It was a happy day.”
Community partners joined in the activities. AlohaCare set up a bike safety inspection station, and Kauaʻi Path helped kids get up to speed on a skill enhancement course that emphasized safe riding.
The event also featured educational booths hosted by Wilcox team members. Keiki learned that fitness can be fun at the obstacle course and how to prevent concussions and other bike-related injuries.
“Bike Safety Day is about helping our children stay safe while bringing the community together,” said Jen Chahanovich, president and CEO of Wilcox Medical Center and CEO of Kauaʻi Medical Clinic. “This event allows us to connect with families, help kids stay active and safe, and create healthier communities.”
Since this event began more than a decade ago, Wilcox has given away thousands of bikes and helmets to Kauaʻi keiki of all ages.
