editor@comvoicesonline.com
KALAMAZOO (Mich.)- Alison Bakhuyzen, 10 made her way through the bright orange plastic cones obstacle course with ease. She dodged the tennis balls which simulated rocks, and knew to take caution when she saw the deer near the deer-crossing sign. She was among more than 200 children from Kalamazoo County who came out to participate in the 2nd annual Safe Kids Kalamazoo County event on August 3 in the parking lot of Loy Norrix High School.
After successfully making it through the course, students headed out for a test of their knowledge on the Bicentennial trail under the guidance of biking Kalamazoo Public Safety officers.
The Safe Kids event was coordinated by Officer Timothy Randall of Kalamazoo Department Public Safety. Randall said he was excited about the turn-out to the event this year, as last year’s event brought less than 70 participants.
“Last year we held (Safe Kids) earlier in the year, but this year we decided to do it as a kick-off to National Night Out,” said Randall.
All participants received neon yellow Safe Kids T-Shirt with the message, “Helmets are Cool.” Students also received free helmets, had their bikes registered and had everything from tightening of a kick-stand to oiling of chains available for free. After completing all station requirements students received a Certificate of Completion and signed a pledge to always wear their helmets, along a goodie bag of treats and gifts from Target.
Randall also solicited the support of his fellow Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety officers along with Kalamazoo County Sherriff’s Department, Portage Public Safety, Explorers Post 265, Kohl’s, Zoo City Cycle and Sports, Breakaway Bicycle and Fitness, Alfred E. Bike. Matte Wiegand of Zoo City entertained the crowd with his riding of an old-fashion High Wheeler bicycle.
He said while most of the students did a great job going through the course, areas where students needed reinforcement included how to use their breaks and knowing the hand signals for bike riders.
“We are excited about the turn-out this year,” Randall said. “We hope even more kids come out next year.”
