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Saturday, September 24, 2005, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Durham Police Department and Duke University Health System are holding a Bike Rodeo and Safety Fair. Children ages six to 13 (accompanied by an adult) are invited to bring their bike and helmet to take place in a skills rodeo (an obstacle course type exercise). The event will be held at the Teer House, located at 4019 North Roxboro Road, Durham.

Rodeos are scheduled to be held at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. The grand finale rodeo is scheduled for 2 p.m. Contestants in the grand finale rodeo (which are the winners of the first three rodeos) will be competing for a brand new 21-speed mountain bicycle. Trophies will be provided for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners as well as certificates for all participants.

Other rodeo features include Mr. Rainbow the Clown, bike inspections by Tarwheels, and helmet checks.

This is the second bike rodeo event the Durham Police Department has sponsored in recent weeks. One was held for residents in southern Durham at the Renaissance Center at Southpoint Mall on August 27, 2005.

Bicycle Accident and Safety Facts:

• Most children who are killed in bike crashes are ages seven to 12 years old.
• The most serious injuries children suffer while biking are head and brain injuries.
• Bike helmets can reduce the risk of head injury 85 percent when worn correctly.

For more information, contact Kimberle Walker, public relations coordinator, at (919) 560-4322, ext. 263.