Blessing Health Hannibal teaching kids to “Ride Cool”

HANNIBAL – As summer days approach, many kids are hopping on their favorite mode of summer transportation.

Dr. Susan Meidl, and others at Blessing Health Hannibal, want to make young bike-riders have fun and stay safe.

Ride Cool, is an annual event by the nonprofit organization, the Blessing Health Hannibal and the Riedle Foundation to educate kids on bike safety and various activities throughout the day. 

Ride Cool is Saturday, June 3 from 10:30 am to 1 pm at Blessing Health Hannibal, 100 Medical Drive.

The first 250 kids that come to the event will receive a free helmet, which will be fitted to the kids, and a free t-shirt.

The Ride Cool event started in 2003 to promote health through community outreach, educational events, and prizes. They will also have free snow cones and food available to purchase from Rebel Pig.

Some of the events will include an obstacle course in the Blessing Health Hannibal parking lot (previously the Hannibal Clinic). A pediatrician from Blessing Health Hannibal will also demonstrate the effectiveness of helmet safety using an eggs and a helmet.

“The demonstration will show if there is a helmet on, they are protected if they fall. It helps kids understand how important that helmet is to protect their head while bike riding,” Meidl said.

Meidl said Emergency Medical Services or the Fire Department are usually on site each year to do a car seat check so people can make sure their car seats are safe. 

“It’s really a safety event for kids and families but we try to do a lot of things to make it fun. We are hoping for nice weather,” Meidl said.

The event is made possible through volunteers from Blessing Health System, the Hannibal Kiwanis, and community volunteers.

The full event details will be updated closer to the event and can be found on the Blessing Health Hannibal Facebook page under events, or on their website at https://events.blessinghealth.org/events/3327.