Pam

Youngs
Anne Arundel County Public Library
December, 2015
Bicycle Safety for Children
Program Need
In Anne Arundel County we are fortunate to have many parks and trails that support an outdoor lifestyle that
includes bicycling. Unfortunately, as pointed out by the bicycle advocacy group, Bicycle Advocates for
Annapolis and Anne Arundel County (Bike AAA), there is geographic disparity when it comes to where these
recreational areas are located. Rural South County, appealing for road cyclists, has few parks and trails.
Sharing the road with vehicles can be challenging. Bicycle safety education is important for all who like to ride,
on-road or off-road, and safety education programs for children are crucial to increase awareness and develop
lifelong, safe riding habits and skills.
Potential Community Partners
Anne Arundel County Police Bike Patrol
Anne Arundel County Department of Parks and Recreation
Bicycle Advocates for Annapolis and Anne Arundel County (Bike AAA)
Description of Program
Anne Arundel County Bike Patrol Police will provide bicycle safety education for children to include:
How to put on and properly fit a helmet.
How to safely navigate a modified training course that includes turns, stops, straight and serpentine
paths. (They will set up this course in the library parking lot).
Presentation about safety rules and regulations.
AACPL Mission and How This Fits
This program fulfills AACPLs mission to Educate, Enrich, Inspire by empowering children and parents with
knowledge about safety, fostering community engagement, and establishing a connection between the
community and county agencies and service providers.
Steps

Scheduling Event
Contact Anne Arundel County Bike Patrol Police to discuss details and arrange a date for the program.

Program Description
Prepare program description for inclusion in the AACPL publication happenings! and on the AACPL library
website.
Resources
-Contact the Anne Arundel County Department of Parks and Recreation and Bicycle Advocates for Annapolis
and Anne Arundel County for information and materials about bicycling in Anne Arundel County for display
and distribution at the event.
-Search the library catalog for books about bicycling, safety, exercise, and health for a book display.
Promotion
-Create a flyer about the event for display in the branch and at local businesses in the community.
-Promote this program at other library programs scheduled prior to the event, and through contacts at local
elementary schools.
-Create press release and contact local news outlets.

Day of Event
-Provide support for event coordinators and presenters
-Introductions
Evaluation
-Number of event participants
-Interest survey:
Would you be interested in other events about bicycling and safety education programs offered by the Anne
Arundel County Police Bike Patrol (adult program and Bike with a Cop)?
(This program will be presented at Deale Community Library on May 14, 2016)

Library Headquarters

5 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:
Pam Youngs
Deale Community Library
5940 Deale-Churchton Rd.
Deale, MD 20751
410.222.1925
BICYCLE SAFETY WITH ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY POLICE
BIKE PATROL
DEALE, Md. (April 21, 2016) Are you and your family members bike enthusiasts? Do you
remember when you first started riding as a child? Help your child develop a love of safe cycling by
bringing them to the library where they will learn about safety equipment, how to safely navigate a
training course, and other safe cycling tips from fully outfitted Anne Arundel County Bike Patrol Police.
Bring your child with their helmet and bicycle to a Bike Rodeo at the Deale Community Library on
Saturday, May 14 at 10 am where Anne Arundel County Bike Patrol Police will show children how to
put on and properly fit their helmet, set up and monitor a modified training course in the parking lot,
and provide information about safe cycling for children.
For children ages 4-10. Registration required, as space is limited. Contact the branch at
410.222.1925 to register starting April 23.

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