Ride Cool event on May 31 designed to help increase bicycle riding safety knowledge

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Youngsters are invited to bring their bike and their families to Blessing Health Hannibal’s annual Ride Cool event from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, May 31, at Blessing Health Hannibal, 100 Medical Drive, to increase their bicycle riding safety knowledge and skill.

The first 250 children at Ride Cool will receive a free helmet and T-shirt while supplies last. They will test their riding skills and safety knowledge on an obstacle course.

In a press release, Susan Meidl, Blessing Health Hannibal physician and Blessing Health System Hannibal Community Health Services committee member, said, “A properly-fitted helmet is the most effective way to prevent a head injury resulting from a bicycle crash. Safe Kids Worldwide reports that fewer than half of children 14 and under usually wear a bike helmet. If they did, we could reduce head injuries related to bicycle accidents by at least 45 percent.”

Ride Cool is organized by Blessing Health System’s Hannibal Community Health Services Committee with the support of a Riedel Foundation grant.