Where It All Started: Bicycle Safety Day, November 2006

Photo by Todd VanSickle

This is where it all started.  Although I have always been trying to develop cycling in the BVI, on that day in November, 2006, I developed an overwhelming desire to bring a free bicycle safety and awareness program to all children.  In particular I wanted to influence the 8-9 year olds who are just getting the freedom to explore, but are still not fully aware of the sometimes dangerous situations they can find themselves in.

Of the nearly 200 children I had ride through a very simple obstacle course (left turn signal, right turn signal, one stop and dismount, obstacle and three cones to weave through and then stop on command) only seven did it correctly and only two of them probably could have repeated that same feat!!!  Not very good odds considering the majority of the kids were in the 10-11 year old age group.  

The best performer was only 8 years old and has two older brothers (his brothers also did the course and did not pass)…food for thought.

You can see more photos in our gallery.  They were taken by Todd VanSickle who captured the essence of my bicycle safety day that was sponsored by Caribbean Insurers.  Caribbean Insurers are now sharing the title sponsorship of the BSAFE program along with one of their insurance companies Caribbean Alliance Insurance Ltd.