PROVINCE PROCLAIMS BICYCLE SAFETY WEEK

Minister responsible for SGI June Draude proclaimed May 31 to June 5 as Bicycle Safety Week in Saskatchewan. The awareness week is held to remind everyone about safe cycling habits.

"Bicycling provides both physical and environmental benefits and is a great way to enjoy the summer," Draude said. "Bicycle Safety Week reminds everyone to practise safe cycling habits and for drivers to watch for cyclists on Saskatchewan streets and roads."

The Saskatchewan Prevention Institute provides information and support to communities holding bicycle safety events for the week. The institute is a charitable organization dedicated to reducing the occurrence of disabling conditions in children by offering prevention programs and services to help keep children healthy.

"Bicycle Safety Week is a great opportunity for children to be taught to always wear a helmet and follow the rules of the road, and to remind adults that they should model safe bicycling practices," Saskatchewan Prevention Institute Executive Director Noreen Agrey said.

Safe cycling habits include: 

• always wearing a helmet;
• using arm signals to indicate turning and lane changes;
• watching for obstacles on the road;
• obeying traffic lights and signs ;
• travelling with the flow of traffic; and
• equipping bikes with reflectors when cycling at night.

In 2009 there were 132 injuries due to bicycle collisions in Saskatchewan.

Information on bicycle safety and training can be found on SGI's website at www.sgi.sk.ca and on the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute website at www.preventioninstitute.sk.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Tony Playter
Saskatchewan Government Insurance
Regina
Phone: 306-751-1837
Email: tplayter@sgi.sk.ca
Cell: 306-535-6207

Noreen Agrey
Saskatchewan Prevention Institute
Saskatoon
Phone: 306-655-2512
Email: pbarker@preventioninstitute.sk.ca