Safe Kids to host Bike to School Day event for families in High Springs

Press release from High Springs Fire Department

HIGH SPRINGS, Fla. – Safe Kids North Central Florida is joining High Springs Community School, High Springs Fire Department, High Springs Police Department, and various other coalition members to celebrate Bike to School Day in High Springs on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. This event brings together children, parents, and educators to raise awareness about bike safety.

Starting at 2:07 p.m., first responders will position their vehicles near both exits of the community school campus. Students who are wearing proper safety gear will receive special rewards, including community donations from Harvest Thyme and Prohibition Pizza, and will also be entered into a raffle to win a brand-new bicycle donated by the High Springs Police Department. Helmet fitters will be on-site offering free bicycle helmets to students in need, while supplies last. Additionally, various safety partners will be handing out fun educational giveaways like stickers, temporary tattoos, candy, and more!

Safe Kids coalitions will celebrate Bike to School Day in hundreds of communities across the United States as part of National Bike Month. Events will promote biking to school as a safe and fun way to travel while highlighting important bike safety information, like wearing a helmet.

“Kids and adults alike need to wear properly-fitted bicycle helmets every time they ride bikes or participate in other wheeled sports,” said Jordyn Zyngier, Safe Kids North Central Florida. “A helmet is the single most effective way to prevent head injury resulting from a bicycle crash. So many children still do not wear them in High Springs. We have a simple saying: ‘Use your head. Wear a helmet.’ We will be providing free bicycle helmets to children in need of one during this event, while supplies last.”

More children ages 5 to 14 are seen in emergency rooms for injuries related to biking than any other sport. “Bike to School Day is a wonderful opportunity to engage with our community and highlight the importance of wearing proper safety gear when biking, rollerblading, or skateboarding,” said Kevin Mangan, Public Information Officer for the High Springs Fire Department. “This year, we’re thrilled to bring even more energy to the event with a brand-new bike giveaway and other fantastic prizes, thanks to the support of Harvest Thyme Cafe and Prohibition Pizza.”

Safe Kids North Central Florida reminds families to follow these tips when biking:

• Make sure your child wears a helmet and take the helmet safety fit test to check that it fits properly.
• Tell your kids to ride on the right side of the road, with traffic, not against it. Stay as far to the right as possible. Use appropriate hand signals and respect traffic signals. Stop at all stop signs and stoplights.
• Teach your kids to make eye contact with drivers to make sure drivers are paying attention and are going to stop before they cross the street.
• When your kids are riding at dusk, dawn, or in the evening, make sure they use lights – and make sure their bikes have reflectors as well. It’s also smart to have them wear clothes and accessories that have retro-reflective materials to improve visibility to motorists.
• Actively supervise children until you’re comfortable that they are responsible to ride on their own.