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Ocean Atlantic Agency, Sussex Cyclists and the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) are combining forces this year in an effort to promote safe cycling in the Rehoboth-Dewey-Lewes beach area. Ocean Atlantic Agency (OAA), the primary corporate sponsor, will host the Use Your Head Bike Safety Fair from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, June 20, at the sales office located at 330 Rehoboth Ave. in downtown Rehoboth Beach.
The event is the result of combining the efforts of OAA to provide, for the third straight year, helmets to anyone interested in bicycling and of Sussex Cyclists and the Delaware State Police to promote safe cycling by educating those interested in how to operate a bicycle safely in the challenging conditions in the beach area.
DelDOT is participating as a major sponsor by providing funding and staff support for the event.
The Delaware State Police have also generously provided financial support, teaming up to give away helmets, lights and reflectors to promote safe cycling.
As interest in this issue has grown, so has the support of other groups. Participating sponsors this year include Beebe Medical Center, Sussex County SAFE KIDS, McDonalds of Rehoboth, Lots of Linens, and the chambers of commerce in Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and Lewes, who have joined forces to organize, promote and support this event as well.
“We are absolutely thrilled to contribute OAA resources and work with these organizations to continue to grow this important program,” said Justin Healy, OAA broker. “All of these groups have provided expert assistance in the form of financial and volunteer support over the past few months of planning. “We all feel that if we can work together to help save one life or prevent one accident this summer, it’s worth the effort and every single penny.”
OAA efforts began more than two years ago in 2003, after staff noted a high number of workers traveling the Route 1 corridor without a bicycle helmet.
OAA handed out about 300 free bike helmets to anyone interested that year, and more than 700 last year, in hopes of improving safety. Sussex Cyclists worked with DelDOT and the Delaware State Police last year to craft a program to educate bicyclists in the area on how to ride safely.
The two groups agreed to combine forces this year to raise the profile of the project and provide a wealth of information and safety gear to help anyone interested in bicycling to operate safely.
This year’s event will include separate bicycle safety training workshops for children (the Bicycle Rodeo) and adults (indoor class), distribution of free bicycle lights and bike helmets (close to 3000 available), and refreshments. In addition, information on both bicycling and the beach area for visitors or summer seasonal workers will be available.
Participants in the workshops will have a chance to win a new bicycle. For those unable to attend the event extra helmets and lights will be given out at the Ocean Atlantic Agency sales office for the remainder of the summer until supplies run out. For details, visit www.oceanatlantic.net.
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