Fresno State bike safety camp teaches students safe riding skills

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Students in grades six through nine are spending the week taking lessons beyond the classroom as part of a bike safety camp hosted by Fresno State's Transportation Institute.

The program teaches children and teens about safe bike-riding practices as they prepare for greater independence in the years ahead.

"Since they're going into high school, it's always, 'oh, I'm going to have to walk to school or... ride to school,'" said Cesar Aranibar, a student fellow with Fresno State's Transportation Institute.

The camp comes less than two weeks after a Sunnyside High School sophomore died after being hit by a car in front of the school.

On July 17, 15-year-old Robert Peele was riding an e-scooter to football practice at the time of the collision. He later died at a hospital.

Although the bike safety camp had already been planned before the incident, organizers said the tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of prevention and safety education.

"We try to really emphasize safety. How to prevent an accident or how to save themselves from injuries," Aranibar said.

In addition to safety instruction, the camp includes recreational activities. On Monday, students decorated helmets that they will get to keep.

Participants will also ride bikes throughout town as part of the course, making stops for ice cream while continuing to learn about safe riding practices.

Students are scheduled to begin riding the bikes Tuesday. After completing the camp on Friday, they will be able to take the bikes home.

Kerry Mannix is a general assignment reporter for ABC30 Action News. For news updates, follow her on Instagram.