SOUTHEAST HOSPITAL, CAPE POLICE TEACH BIKE SAFETY

Six-year-old Steven Dooley brought his bike to Southeast Missouri Hospital and took part in the BikeSmart program Saturday under the cover of a parking garage.

Despite the cool, cloudy weather, Dooley was one of 120 kids that took part in the program sponsored by several organizations and staffed by 70 volunteers.

Dooley, a kindergartener at Chaffee Elementary School, received a bike helmet and training on safe bike riding during one of the 30-minute segments of the four-hour program just like the other participants.

"I learned how to wear a bike helmet," Dooley said after completing his training, "and how to look both ways."

Dooley was busy collecting giveaways at the booths set up by the sponsors and said he was having fun.

By participating in the program, the kids, ages 5-11, learned about bicycle maintenance, wearing a helmet and were able to show off their skill in a riding course.

Cape Girardeau police officers Ike Hammonds and Charlie Herbst talked with each of the eight groups of kids about wearing a helmet, stopping at the end of their driveways so they don't roll into traffic and other safety tips.

Renee Bowerman, a program coordinator with Southeast Missouri Hospital, said the kids also had their bikes inspected before participating.

"Every kid gets a sports bottle and a helmet too," she said. "and there are lots of other giveaways."

In addition to the giveaways and free popcorn, one of the participants was going to win a new bike thanks to a drawing.

Sponsors of BikeSmart included the Cape Girardeau Community Safety Traffic Program, Southeast Missouri Hospital, St. Francis Medical Center, the Cape Girardeau Police Department, the University of Missouri Extension Service, Cape Girardeau Public Schools, Cape County Private Ambulance Service, Area Safe Kids Coalition and KBSI television.

Many other organizations were represented by members that donated time or items.