Exercise is an important component of health, and given that 13% of adults have been diagnosed with diabetes within Maverick County, Ciclovia is an excellent opportunity for families to participate in different physical activities.  The bike rodeo will offer kids an opportunity to engage in a fun obstacle course and learn about bike safety and proper helmet fitting with officers providing tips at different stations.  (Bicycle helmets can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent, yet only approximately 40 percent of cyclists wear a helmet.)

The event is sponsored by the HOPE-K Trinational Health Council in collaboration with the Texas Department of State Health Services Office of Border Health, Maverick County-Precinct 1, the Customs and Border Protection Agency, and the Texas Medical Association.

Helmets will be provided by the Texas Medical Association’s Hard Hats for Little Heads program which is funded by the TMA Foundation thanks to top donors — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Prudential, an anonymous foundation — and gifts from physicians and their families.

On average, 250 children in the United States under the age of 14 die each year because of a bicycle crash. Another 300,000 children are treated in emergency rooms for severe head injuries. Many of these accidents could have been prevented if the children had worn bicycle helmets.

In addition to the helmet giveaway, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency will be providing education on safe bike riding practices.  Any child can receive a free helmet and staff members from the Texas Department of State Health Services will be on hand to properly fit the helmets.

So come out and join us on October 3, 2015 at Maverick County Lake from 9 to 12pm.  And don’t forget to bring your bike!!!