Third Annual 'Safety Town' Bicycle Rodeo Held at Holtsville Ecology Site

The Brookhaven Traffic Safety Division in cooperation with the Suffolk County Police Department 6th Precinct Bicycle Team Explorers, put together the third annual Bicycle Rodeo held at Brookhaven's Safety Town located at the

Over 200 free helmets for children were given out at the event.

The Bicycle Rodeo provides a fun and educational opportunity for children to develop proper bike riding skills, and become better, safer bicyclists able to avoid typical accidents and injuries.

A large turnout of mostly younger children was spotted having a blast on the Safety Town course that was opened to all on this day.  The mock roadway simulated real road conditions, and included traffic lights, street signs, a railroad crossing, tunnels, a post office and fire department.

Following a safety demonstration and discussion, each participant was allowed to practice prior to being tested on their bicycle skills.  An evaluation then provided immediate feedback utilizing praise and constructive criticism.

The Town also made a free bicycle safety inspection available for all in attendance.

Adults that were there got the chance to put on "beer goggles" which simulated the experience of drinking and driving.

Deputy Supervisor/Councilwoman Kathleen Walsh was on hand to show her support for the exciting event.

"I just did the drunk driving thing.  It was wild.  I was trying to stay on track; there's absolutely no way to stay in control. Kids say, 'I can do this no problem', then take out cones," said Walsh.  "The Safety Town program is run by the Town for third graders in the [Sachem] school district.  This is an open house so everyone can go see Safety Town."

Safety Town is open for scheduled field trips that take place during two classes a day, four days a week, while school is in session.

The unique program teaches students pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, and uses electric cars to impart an appreciation for all aspects of safety on the road.  The children in vehicles get to see how drivers have to be aware of bicyclists and walkers.

"The kids love it.  It's the best thing they come to," said Jason Reznak, a traffic engineer for Traffic Safety in the Town of Brookhaven.

A Governor's Traffic Safety Grant made the Bicycle Rodeo possible.

"We have six Bicycle Rodeos a year.  We have a grant for four, but stretch the money out," said Lisa Dils, defensive driving instructor and coordinator of the Bicycle Rodeo.

Lynn Weyant, director of Traffic Safety and Street Lighting for Brookhaven obtained the funding.

The successful event was renewed three years in a row, and has been approved for 2012.

The next Bicycle Rodeo will be held on June 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"Anytime we have an event at Safety Town to show the community events that are available in Brookhaven Town I want to be here.  There are so many programs that go on here that people don't know about, so we want to give it as much exposure as possible," said Walsh.  "What we try to do here is teach bicycle safety on the roadways, experienced in a neighborhood setting."