By ALIN HETTHays Post
All photos by Alin Hett/Hays Post
Bikes, scooters, bubbles and plenty of foam filled the park during the second annual Pedal Patrol in the Park.
The City of Hays, Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau, Ellis County Health Department and Hays Police Department partnered to host the family-friendly event, emceed by Mike Holliday.
Children received free bicycle helmets and had them properly fitted. Bike safety checks were also available to help young riders make sure their equipment was ready for the road.
Melissa Miller, Ellis County Health Director spoke about what the event means to Hays.
“ECHD is happy to partner with Visit Hays in providing free bike helmets for all ages,” Miller said. “It’s fun seeing the kids get excited about wearing them! Public health is really about prevention. Sometimes that means making sure families have access to the simple things that can prevent an injury in the first place."
"We’re happy to provide free bike helmets to kids and help make sure they fit properly, because every child deserves to have the safety equipment they need to be protected.”
Bubbles floated throughout the park, while a foam station gave children another place to play. Young bicyclists and scooter riders also joined Hays police officers for ride-alongs around the park, giving them a chance to put their safety lessons into action.
Nikki Brown, executive director for the Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau said the goal was all about safety.
“The goal of the event is to promote bike and scooter safety among young riders,” Brown said. “With emphasis on learning correct helmet use and rules of the road for bicycles and scooters.”
