PUHI — A new helmet was just one of the things young riders took away from the bicycle safety clinic, Saturday. John Tanner of Bicycle John in Lihu‘e was busy adjusting the new helmets for young riders before he did
PUHI — A new helmet was just one of the things young riders took away from the bicycle safety clinic, Saturday.
John Tanner of Bicycle John in Lihu‘e was busy adjusting the new helmets for young riders before he did a walk-through safety inspection of all the bicycles lined up for the clinic.
Hosted by Darrellyn Lemke of State Farm Insurance, the bicycle safety clinics have been held at various parts of the island since around 1992.
“I’ve worked with several community groups to put this clinic together, and in the past, we’ve done clinics at Vidinha Stadium, the parking lots of Wal-Mart and KMart,” Lemke said. “This is the first time we’re doing it at the Kaua‘i Community College.”
Coordinated by the Rotary Club of Po‘ipu Beach and Malama Pono, the event tied in with the start of the Kaua‘i Paradise Ride that left the staging area at Island School on Saturday and wrapped up Sunday.
Once that fleet of bicyclists was on the road, the younger riders, more than two dozen of them, were brought into the KCC back parking lot with a full agenda as parents offered helping hands.
“The Rotary Club of Po‘ipu Beach was generous enough to provide a grant so all the riders could get helmets, a Certificate of Completion and a treat of lunch,” Jackson said. “John did a good job scouting out the best deal so we could get the best deal on the helmets.”
The course provided hands-on instruction in bicycle control.
“The emphasis is on safety,” Lemke said. “But it’s also important that the riders have fun.”
Rebecca Smith of the American Lung Association worked with select riders on the topic of asthma, and the highlight of the day was the 1/2 kilometer ride to the gate and back.
“This is a great place to have the clinic,” Lemke said. “The riders can enjoy the ride without having to worry about cars.”
The Rotary Club of Po‘ipu Beach’s next community project is hosting the final Movie in the Park for this summer on Aug. 21 at Po‘ipu Beach Park.
Coinciding with Admission Day and the 50th anniversary of Hawai‘i’s statehood, Roberta Charles, the former president of the Rotary Club of Po‘ipu Beach, said the aim is to provide 3D glasses for all the attendees so they can enjoy “Journey to the Center of the Earth.”
Koloa School will handle the food concession and the movie starts when the sun goes down.
