May is Bike Safety Month and the Town of Wake Forest is helping to raise awareness about the importance of safe bicycle use by sponsoring a free Bicycle Safety Fair on Saturday, May 4. The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in town hall’s Brooks Street parking lot, 301 S. Brooks St. As an added bonus, this year’s safety fair is again being offered as part of the 33rd Annual Meet in the Street.

Facilitated by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the Bicycle Safety Fair is designed to teach safe bicycle riding skills to children ages five to 14 and their parents. Participants will be taught safe riding techniques through an obstacle course that re-creates real-life situations. The course illustrates the proper way for cyclists to scan for automobiles, develop correct riding techniques, utilize intersection safety tips, and avoid road hazards such as tree limbs, pot holes, and rocks.

On the day of the event, a parent or legal guardian will be required to sign a waiver for their child or children to participate. Participants are encouraged to bring their own bicycles and helmets as free bicycle inspections will be offered at the start of the obstacle course. Loaner helmets and bicycles will also be available on a first-come/first-serve basis.

Participants and parents will learn how to fit helmets properly and opportunities will be provided throughout the day to earn a free helmet. 

For more information about this year’s Bicycle Safety Fair, visit www.wakeforestnc.gov/bikesafetyfair.aspx or contact Town Planner Candace Davis at cdavis@wakeforestnc.gov.