Wearing your helmet could help you win a bike

Nataya is ready to get ticketed for 'Safe Cycling'.
T. Lucas photo

Pincher Creek Emergency Services, Bylaw Services and RCMP are implementing a “Wear the Gear” bicycle safety program that will run from May 19th until June 18, 2014.  Wear the Gear is a program aimed at promoting bicycle safety and emphasizes the importance of wearing a helmet and other safety equipment when riding any self propelled equipment with wheels. This includes bicycles, in-line skates, roller skates, skateboards, and scooters. "We definitely want to see the helmets," said EMT and Organizer Kate Feist.  Kids can look forward to getting tickets for good safety practices.

Over the next few weeks children may be stopped and issued a ticket when they are caught riding any of the above mentioned equipment while wearing their helmet. The tickets will be issued by Pincher Creek Emergency Services, Bylaw and the RCMP.  Representatives from these departments can only issue tickets while wearing their uniform, either driving or walking around the community. The child will then be able to take the ticket to their school where it will be entered into a draw to win a new bike. The draw will be made June 19th.

Another aspect of this safety awareness program is a competition to design a poster to be used for bicycle awareness week in May 2015. There will be two designs selected at random, one from kindergarten to Grade 2, and one from Grade 3-6. Children can get the forms from and apply through their school. The lucky winners will be selected by random draw on June 19th and will receive a prize.

Through the Wear the Gear program the EMS, Bylaw and RCMP aim to increase knowledge and understanding of bicycle safety while building positive interactions between all emergency services and the community.

Anyone with questions or concerns is encouraged to contact EMS staff at 403-627 5800.