Bike Safety
Is your agency is looking to get involved with a Community Program? Our "Don't Thump Your Melon, Wear a Helmet" Bike Program is a great way to start!
SD EMSC has bike helmets available at no cost to your organization (while supplies last). Let us know if you will be hosting a full Rodeo or helmet fitting. Upon ordering, you will also receive everything you need to plan your very own Bike Rodeo:
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Instructor's Guide
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Signage
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Helmets
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Skills station instructions
The DTYM program is geared towards toddlers through teens. You can pair it with a Safety Day, Touch a Truck, or Open House.
This also goes well with our Seat Belt Safety programming!
How to Fit a Bicycle Helmet
Ensuring your child wears a properly fitted bicycle helmet is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect them from serious injury. Head injuries are the leading cause of death and long-term disability in bike-related accidents, making a helmet an essential part of cycling safety. A well-fitted helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85%. Proper fit means that the helmet sits level on the head, covering the forehead, and is secured snugly without being uncomfortably tight. This provides maximum coverage and protection in case of a fall or collision.
The importance of a helmet goes beyond physical safety; it also instills responsible behavior and safety habits in children from a young age. When kids consistently wear helmets, they are more likely to carry those safety practices into adulthood, whether on a bicycle, scooter, or skateboard. Parents and guardians play a crucial role by leading by example and reinforcing the need for helmet use every time their child rides. Investing in a properly fitted helmet not only provides peace of mind for parents but also promotes a lifelong understanding of safety and self-care for children.
Click the button below for a PDF with instructions on how to properly fit a helmet.
Bicycle Rodeo Guide Book
Since 1994, “Don't Thump Your Melon” has actively promoted bicycle helmet use and bicycle safety in South Dakota communities. The campaign happens in partnership with other statewide stakeholders.
What is a Bike Rodeo?
Bike Rodeos are an educational community outreach activity supported by “Don’t Thump Your Melon”, a South Dakota EMS for Children program. These events offer children in your community the chance to actively learn and demonstrate bike skills and safety. Several adult volunteers run each skills station, working together to teach the kids how to control their bikes and ride safely.
Skills to Teach:
• Traffic Safety
• Turning
• Maneuvering
• Balance
• Braking
• Helmet Safety
• Rules of the road
Organizing a Bike Rodeo
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Meet with community members, law enforcement, and local media to schedule a date and recruit volunteers. You will want 15-20 volunteers for registration and skills stations, a photographer, and someone to keep track of things like number of volunteers & attendees, costs, time, and materials donated/purchased.
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Choose a location with a solid surface like blacktop or cement. Elementary school playgrounds work well. Make sure that it is large enough for all skills stations and obstacle courses!
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Make a schedule so that your volunteers know what is needed. Setup for a rodeo typically takes about an hour and a half if everyone works together.
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Reach out to businesses in your community to sponsor things like food, water, prizes, and awards or certificates.
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Print off signs that clearly identify stations and written instructions for your station volunteers. These are available from SD EMS for Children by request at sdemsc@usd.edu
At South Dakota EMS for Children, we believe every child deserves a safe environment to grow, learn, and play. We've partnered with the SD Office of Highway Safety to empower EMTs, Emergency Departments, Public Safety Providers, Childcare Providers, educators, parents, caregivers, and communities with essential knowledge and tools to prevent injuries and ensure the well-being of children at every stage. From riding in cars to playing outdoors, we’re here to help you create a safer world for the children you love.