YONGSAN GARRISON --On May 30, with the help of the Directorate of Emergency Services and other volunteers, young members of Boy Scouts of America hold a bike rodeo at the overflow parking lot area across from Commiskey's for the entire community.
As summer is settling in, more and more individuals are bringing out their bikes for easy transportation, as well as a simple means to enjoy leisure activities. With more wheels on the road, safety becomes an important issue.
Having started out as an Eagle Scout project, the event was designed to provide benefits for the whole community.
"I just felt that I had to help the community," said Ryan Day, the Scout member in charge of the event.
"At the last town hall meeting in the garrison, they said that people needed to learn more about bike safety," said Day. "Not a lot of people were wearing their helmets correctly, and they needed to get their bikes registered. That was a big problem."
According to the scout, there was a similar project a couple years ago, but it was the first time for him to participate in or coordinate such a project.
All those who came to learn from, as well as enjoy the bike safety rodeo could find several stations manned with volunteers ready to help out. About five stations were available, including the registration booth, a bike maintenance station, and an obstacle course. Members of the United States Army Garrison Yongsan Fire Department and Military Police were on site to provide assistance for the event. In particular, the fire department set up a hazard house to educate those who came on fire evacuation and provided informative hand-outs on fire safety.
"We got our aerial fire truck out here on display to show the people in the community how we can get in to their homes, no matter the situation, and rescue them," said Curtis Williams, assistant chief for fire prevention and education for USAG Yongsan. "It's not just for show. Everything you see is part of the education process. By and large, we are here to support the bike safety rodeo and increase awareness on the matter of safety."
"I feel like the bike rodeo is going to improve the garrison a lot and there will be a lot of people who gain from it," said Day.
In the end, over 200 people ended up participating and 104 bikes were registered, making the day a celebration of safety and awareness.
The event reminded the people of the community that as much as having fun is important, they should never forget the words, "safety first."
Related Links:
U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan Homepage
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