Reading Hospital is introducing its Bike Smart Safety Fest on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Reading Area Community College, parent company Tower Health announced.
The free event, open to all in the community, will be held in RACC’s parking lots A and C near the Yocum Library. No registration is required. Park in Lot A, 30 S. Front St.
The program is the result of a hospital partnership with Commute PA to promote bike safety and accident prevention. Children are invited to bring their bicycles and ride through a course designed to build confidence and promote safety skills. Participants must wear helmets while riding. A limited number of helmets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis for participants who do not have one.
Activities include helmet decorating, a bike safety check and sidewalk chalk. There will be music and light refreshments and information available about the services provided by state police, Reading fire and rescue services and public works, and the hospital’s trauma and community wellness departments.
According to the hospital’s announcement of the event, between June 1 and Dec. 31, 2025, the emergency department and trauma center treated 56 patients, including a 4-year-old, for traditional bicycle-related injuries, and 52 others were treated for injuries sustained on e-bikes. Safe Kids Worldwide reports that nearly 50 children visit emergency departments every hour for injuries related to bikes, scooters, skates or skateboards.