Fairfield Area Chamber Celebrates Successful Bike Safety Program at Pence Elementary
The Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce proudly concluded its annual Bike Safety Program this week at Pence Elementary School, serving more than 80 after-school students with hands-on bicycle safety education and activities.
The free program focused on teaching children safe riding habits, proper helmet use, traffic awareness, and bike handling skills through interactive lessons and obstacle course activities. Students celebrated their accomplishments during a graduation ceremony held at the end of the week.
“This program continues to grow because of the incredible support from our businesses, organizations, volunteers, and community partners,” said Amy Vetter, Committee Co-Chair. “Helping kids build confidence while learning how to ride safely is something we are proud to invest in each year.”
The Chamber extends sincere appreciation to presenting sponsors Dexter Laundry and AERON Lifestyle Technology for making the event possible.
As part of this year’s program, the Fairfield Police Department will support ongoing bike safety efforts in the community by providing ice cream certificates to children observed riding their bikes while wearing helmets, helping reinforce safe riding habits in a positive and engaging way. Officers will also carry helmets to distribute to children seen riding without one, ensuring more young riders are protected while on the road and trails.
“With more than 16 miles of loop trails throughout our community, biking is an important part of life in Fairfield,” Kayla Stanley, Committee Co-Chair added. “Programs like this help ensure children can safely enjoy our trails, parks, and neighborhoods for years to come. We are incredibly thankful for all of the sponsors and volunteers who made this event possible.”
A special thank you goes to Blank Children's Hospital for donating 50 helmets to the program. Remaining helmets will also support the Fairfield Police Department in providing helmets to local children in need.
The Chamber also recognizes The Ride Bike Shop for serving as materials sponsor and for creating the obstacle course used during the week’s activities.
Additional community support included: · Cambridge Investment Research for donating books to participants
- Jefferson County Health Center for leading helmet safety activities
- Freeman Kevenides Law Firm for ongoing support of bicycle safety initiatives
- Hy-Vee for donating bottled water
The Chamber also thanks the many volunteers who dedicated time throughout the week, including volunteers from AERON, Tommy Brower from the Fairfield Arts & Convention Center and Fairfield Youth Performing Arts, Jessica Anderson from Washington State Bank, Chamber Past Board President Joneane Parker, and numerous community supporters.
Special recognition was given to Amy Vetter of Jefferson County Health Center and Kayla Stanley of AERON Lifestyle Technology for leading the planning committee and continually improving the program experience.
The week concluded with bicycle giveaways made possible through donations from TrafFix Devices, AERON Lifestyle Technology, and Hush & Co.
For more information about community programs hosted by the Fairfield Area Chamber of Commerce, contact the Chamber office at Info@FairfieldIowa.com.
